US08542405B2
A method for forming a color transform for a color printing device having a plurality of colorant channels that includes applying a tone scale adjustment function and a total colorant load limit. An optimization process is used to optimize a merit function including a tone scale reproduction accuracy term and a gamut shape term. The method involves determining an initial merit function value responsive to an initial total colorant load limit and an initial set of tone scale adjustment parameters for a tone scale adjustment function. Modified tone scale adjustment parameters and a modified total colorant load limit are determined that provide an improved merit function value subject to a constraint that an average total colorant load is no more than a predefined threshold for a predefined distribution of input colors.
US08542392B1
A print control apparatus included an accepting unit, a generating unit, a transmission unit, a display, a determination unit, and a display controller. The accepting unit accepts a print request. The generating unit generates, on the basis of the print request, print data for outputting an image onto printing paper. The transmission unit transmits the print data to a printing apparatus. The display displays a list of print requests accepted by the accepting unit, together with process states of the print requests. The determination unit determines whether a progress speed with which processes based on the print requests are to be completed is not lower than a value. In a case where an operation instruction unit is displayed on the display, when it is determined that the progress speed is not lower than the value, the display controller performs control of disabling the operation instruction unit.
US08542390B2
A print relay system capable of connecting to an image forming apparatus and a print service system, which is provided by a vendor that publishes a unique specification for executing data communication with the image forming apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to, in response to the print service system receiving a printing instruction input by a user via a client, acquire data from the print service system according to a first specification, which is the unique specification for data communication between the print service system and a relay virtual printer, and a transmission unit configured to transmit the data acquired by the acquisition unit from the relay virtual printer to the image forming apparatus according to a second specification for executing data communication between the relay virtual printer and the image forming apparatus.
US08542389B2
In response to a positional relationship (distance, or a combination of distance and angle) between an information output unit and a user who uses information displayed in the display unit, a control unit changes the amount of information to be displayed in the display unit based on an information level, the number of pieces of information, a scrolling speed or a cycle. In some aspects, the control unit controls the information output unit to increase the amount of information to be output when the user is close to the display unit.
US08542384B2
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit, a recognition unit, a calculation unit, a determination unit, and a controller. The receiving unit receives a print job. The recognition unit recognizes hardware information regarding the image processing apparatus. The calculation unit calculates a time required for image processing of the received print job in accordance with the recognized hardware information and image data in the print job. The determination unit determines whether or not the calculated time required for the image processing of the print job is shorter than a predetermined time. The controller performs assignment control so that, when the determination unit determines that the time required for the image processing of the print job is not shorter than the predetermined time, a dynamic reconfigurable processor included in another image processing apparatus processes a portion of the print job.
US08542382B2
A communicating apparatus is supplied capable of maintaining a receiving corresponding to high communication capability for receiving from all partner apparatuses; reducing the cost of apparatus; and eliminating dependence on an exchange machine. In the communicating apparatus, a sending and receiving controlling section, when communicatively connected with a sending side communicating apparatus via telephone line, sends a first DIS signal generated by a signal generating section to the sending side communicating apparatus; a DCS judging portion judges whether received or not a DCS signal corresponding to the first DIS signal from the sending side communicating apparatus, if it is not received, sends a second DIS signal of high communication capability to partner apparatus; the sending and receiving controlling section sends CFR signal which represents that it has been confirmed to execute communication process in the communication capability notified by the DCS signal from partner apparatus with respect to the first DIS signal or the second DIS signal; then, receives image data from the sending side communicating apparatus.
US08542380B2
A multifunction printer which can erase image data, which is specified by using a sheet on which a list of image data in a memory card printed, from the memory card. It is also a multifunction printer which can erase specified image data from a memory card after the specified image data is printed or stored in another storage medium.
US08542379B2
A printing cost charging method of a printing system wherein the printing system includes a mobile terminal, an image forming apparatus capable of communicating data with the mobile terminal, and a server capable of communicating data with the mobile terminal via a wireless communication network. The printing cost charging method comprises the steps of transmitting printing data from the mobile terminal to the image forming apparatus, transmitting printing information relating to the printing data from the image forming apparatus to the mobile terminal, transmitting the printing information from the mobile terminal to the server, and controlling the server to charge a printing cost to the mobile terminal based on the printing information. Costly equipment and potential errors are reduced as the server of the printing system which charges the printing cost interfaces with the mobile terminal without the Internet.
US08542373B2
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes: plural trays; a reading section configured to convert an image formed on a sheet into image data and cause a storing section to store the image data; an erasing section configured to erase the image formed on the sheet; and a control section configured to acquire the image data from the storing section, determine, using the image data, whether a trace of a staple is present on the sheet, and convey the sheet, from which the image is erased by the erasing section, to any one of the plural trays such that a conveying destination is different according to a determination result.
US08542371B2
An information processing apparatus with a printer driver, which generates print data to be output to an image forming apparatus, corresponding to a plurality of image forming apparatuses registers a compound setting that information indicating output destinations corresponding to the plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of print settings are combined, and sets information indicating an output destination included in the compound setting to the printer driver.
US08542365B2
A change in mass of a microbridge in a mass sensor can be sensed by applying a time-varying amplitude modulated electrostatic force to excite the microbridge into resonance at the frequency of amplitude modulation. An optical energy is then transmitted at a wavelength close to a resonant wavelength of a Fabry-Perot microcavity, which is formed by etching a movable reflective mirror into a region of the microbridge and by etching a fixed reflective minor in a region spaced apart from the microbridge. The two mirrors are interconnected by an optical waveguide. The movable mirror and fixed mirror reflect the optical energy to a receiver, and a change in the Fabry-Perot microcavity's reflectivity is interferometrically determined. The change in reflectivity indicates a change in the microbridge's resonant frequency due to increased mass of the microbridge resulting from sorption of a target chemical by a layer of chemoselective material deposited on the microbridge.
US08542362B2
Methods and apparatuses for measuring a light absorbance are provided. The method measures light absorbance of at least one detection chamber of a microfluidic device, including the detection chamber and at least one reference chamber. The detection chamber may accommodate a test subject. The method includes detecting a plurality of reference transmitted light intensities for the at least one reference chamber and estimating a value between the plurality of reference transmitted light intensities through nonlinear approximation. The estimated value is then applied to light absorbance measurement of the detection chamber to reduce a light absorbance error of the detection chamber.
US08542361B2
A color matching device including a flexible template having at least three windows extending from a front face through a back face of the template, the windows sized to allow visual comparison of colors located in the windows, wherein at least a first separation distance between first and second windows is different than a second separation distance between the second and third windows. A method for evaluating colors utilizing the device is also disclosed.
US08542358B2
An optical calibration and testing device for machine tools includes a light source unit, a beam splitter, and at least one photo detector. The light source emits a laser light hitting the beam splitter and is split into two beams. One is perpendicular to the foundation of the light source unit, and the other is parallel with the foundation so as to test straightness, inclination angle, verticalness, vertical column inclination, vertical column parallelism and guide bar inclination of a machine tool. If there is no tested error, the position of the testing light spot coincides with that of the initial light spot. If there is an error, the position of testing light spot varies according to the error.
US08542354B2
The present invention provides an inspection apparatus having a high throughput and high sensitivity with respect to a number of various manufacturing processes and defects of interest in inspection of a specimen such as a semiconductor wafer on which a pattern is formed. The apparatus illuminates with light the specimen having the pattern formed thereon, forms an image of the specimen on an image sensor through a reflective optics, and determines the existence/nonexistence of a defect. The reflective optics has a conjugate pair of Fourier transform optics. An aberration of the reflective optics is corrected off-axis. The reflective optics has a field of view in non-straight-line slit form on the specimen surface. Also, the optics is of a reflection type, includes a conjugate pair of Fourier transform optics and has a field of view in non-straight-line slit form. An optimum wavelength band is selected according to the specimen (FIG. 1).
US08542353B2
A refractive index sensor having one or more sources, an adaptive optical element or scanner, imaging optics, a sensing optic, and one or more detectors. The scanner impinges a signal from the source into the sensing optic and onto a sensor-sample interface at sequential angles of incidence. The detector response increases dramatically to signals reflected from the interface at corresponding sequential angles of reflection equal to or greater than a critical angle. The refractive index sensor also uses an input lens between the scanner and the sensing optic and uses an output lens between the sensing optic and the detector. A processor controls the sensor and can determine index of refraction of the fluid sample based on the detector response and scan rate. The sensor can be used in several operational environments from a laboratory to a downhole tool, such as a formation tester to determine properties in a borehole environment.
US08542346B2
The disclosure relates to an optical system, such as a projection exposure apparatus for semiconductor lithography, including a manipulable correction arrangement for reducing image aberrations. In some embodiments, the system includes at least one manipulator configured to reduce image aberrations. The manipulator can include at least one optical element which can be manipulated by at least one actuator. The manipulator can be formed in changeable fashion together with an actuator.
US08542325B2
The present invention generally relates to contact lenses. Specifically, this invention relates to contact lenses that change color based on one or more stimuli. The present application provides for a color changing contact lens that can change its color based on one or more stimuli. The color changing contact lens is constructed of an inner layer, an outer layer and a supply of liquid crystal.
US08542313B2
A device and methods are provided for calculating depth estimation for a digital imaging device are disclosed and claimed. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a first image associated with a first focus parameter, detecting a second image associated with a second focus parameter, calculating a statistical representation of a region of interest in the first and second images, and determining a ratio for the region of interest based on the statistical representation. The method may further include determining one or more focus characteristics using a memory table based on the determined ratio for the region of interest, and calculating a focus depth for capture of image data based on the determined one or more focus characteristics associated with the memory table.
US08542306B2
An imaging apparatus is provided with a first display unit, a second display unit, and a controller for controlling displays of setting screens for changing various settings in the first and second display units. The controller controls the displays of the setting screens so that the setting screen displayed on the first display unit differs from the setting screen displayed on the second display unit. The setting screens include an image in which specified setting items and candidates of the setting values related to each setting item are arranged. The controller controls the displays of the setting screens so that the types of displayed setting items and candidates of the setting values are the same in the setting screen displayed on the first display unit and the setting screen displayed on the second display unit, an arranging directions of the setting items are the same, and an arranging directions of the candidates of the setting values differ.
US08542304B2
According to one embodiment, a solid-state imaging device includes first and second pixel portions, first and second transfer transistors, first and second accumulation portions, an element isolation region, first and second amplifier transistors, and a first and second signal lines. The first and second pixel portions include photoelectric conversion elements, respectively. The first and second transfer transistors transfer first and second charges photoelectrically converted by the first and second pixel portions, respectively. The first and second accumulation portions are interposed between the first and second pixel portions, and accumulate the first and second charges, respectively. The element isolation region is interposed between the first and second accumulation portions. The first and second amplifier transistors amplify voltages generated in accordance with the first and second charges accumulated in the first and second accumulation portions, respectively. The first and second signal lines output signal voltages amplify by the amplifier transistors, respectively.
US08542299B2
An image processing device comprising a synchronization unit (25) for generating a luminance (Y′) from the sum of pixel signals R, Gr, Gb, B, for subtracting the R pixel signal and the B pixel signal from the sum of the Gr pixel signal and Gb pixel signal so as to generate a first color difference (C1), and for calculating a difference between the R pixel signal and the B pixel signal to generate a second color difference (C2), a pseudo-color suppression unit (31) for performing pseudo-color suppression of the first color difference (C1) and/or the second color difference (C2), a color space conversion unit (37) for converting the luminance Y′, the first color difference (C1), the second color difference (C2), into a predetermined color space to generate YUV color information.
US08542289B1
In a typical two-dimensional rectilinear image, all pixel widths are constant across the image. If the two-dimensional rectilinear image is mapped to a cylindrical surface, the pixels at the edge of the image are viewed at an angle, making the effective width of the pixels at the edge smaller than the effective width of the pixels in the interior of the image. This problem may be solved by applying a tuned distortion curve to the two-dimensional rectilinear image, which makes the pixels near the edge of the image wider than pixels in the interior of the image. When pixels that have been distorted in this manner are mapped to a cylindrical surface, the effective pixel width is uniform. A lens with a tuned distortion curve built into its optical profile captures at least a portion of the surrounding imagery such that the resultant image has uniform resolution when projected onto a virtual cylinder centered around a viewer.
US08542286B2
A large format digital camera has a primary camera system configured for collecting panchromatic image data and a secondary camera system configured for collecting color image data. The secondary camera system has an optical system that has a longer focal length than the optical system of the primary camera system. The resolution of the secondary camera system is greater than the resolution of the primary camera system. The footprint of images produced by the primary camera system is larger in size than the footprint of images produced by the secondary camera system. Images produced by the primary camera system offer information for performing image-based georeferencing by means of photogrammetric triangulation. Images produced by the secondary camera system offer a high-resolution narrow angle color image suitable for use in ortho image production.
US08542279B2
An image capturing apparatus includes an acceleration sensor having a first measurement axis and a second measurement axis that intersect each other, and arranged on a plane that intersects the imaging optical axis of the image capturing apparatus while inclining the first and second measurement axes by about 45° in the vertical direction, and a calculation unit that calculates the arc tangent of the ratio of the detection result of an acceleration due to gravity by the first measurement axis and the detection result of an acceleration due to gravity by the second measurement axis, thereby obtaining the inclination degree of the image capturing apparatus in the rolling direction.
US08542274B2
A wide field microscopic image acquisition apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus is configured to acquire images of a specimen on a microscope slide and includes first and second illuminators each having unique illumination characteristics. The apparatus includes a microscope imaging system with an imaging device, an objective lens and a stage configured to digitally acquire a plurality of images of the specimen using the first and second illuminators. A controller is configured to automatically control the microscope imaging system and acquire the plurality of images of the specimen using the first and second illuminators. The first and second illuminators can be bright field, dark field or fluorescent illuminators.
US08542272B2
An image generating apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first light source unit that emits light in a first wavelength band to a subject; a second light source unit that emits light in a second wavelength band, which is a part of the first wavelength band, to the subject; an image pickup unit that picks up an image of the subject and outputs the image as an image pickup signal; a light cut filter unit that cuts light in the second wavelength band reflected from the subject; and a complementary processing unit that applies complementary processing to a component equivalent to the second wavelength band cut by the light cut filter unit in the image of the subject picked up by the image pickup unit in a state in which the subject is illuminated by the light in the first wavelength band.
US08542249B2
A storage device of a report producing terminal stores an importance table. The importance table stores grades of importance of respective items of accessory information on medical images. Prior to displaying a medical image on a screen, an area defining section extracts a main subject display area of the medical image, and defines an accessory information display area outside the main subject display area. A display style defining section calculates a necessary display area for each individual item of the accessory information, and discriminates between those items which fit in the accessory information display area and those which do not. The display style defining section decides not to display the items which do not fit in the accessory information display area, or decides to display them in a transparent style, in a scrolling style, in a switching style or with a small font.
US08542247B1
One embodiment of the invention sets forth a mechanism for compiling a vertex shader program into two portions, a culling portion and a shading portion. The culling portion of the compiled vertex shader program specifies vertex attributes and instructions of the vertex shader program needed to determine whether early vertex culling operations should be performed on a batch of vertices associated with one or more primitives of a graphics scene. The shading portion of the compiled vertex shader program specifies the remaining vertex attributes and instructions of the vertex shader program for performing vertex lighting and performing other operations on the vertices in the batch of vertices. When the compiled vertex shader program is executed by graphics processing hardware, the shading portion of the compiled vertex shader is executed only when early vertex culling operations are not performed on the batch of vertices.
US08542245B2
An image processing apparatus includes: an amount-of-feature detection section configured to determine an amount of features of a first image and an amount of features of a second image, the first image and the second image containing the same subject; an elimination-area detection section configured to eliminate, from the second image, an area in which the amount of features extracted by the amount-of-feature detection section is larger than a predetermined threshold and to provide the second image in which the eliminated area is transparent; and an image combination section configured to superimpose the second image in which the eliminated area is transparent on the first image.
US08542244B2
System and method for generating multiprimary signals with optimization for bit depth for use in display devices. A preferred embodiment comprises converting an input color signal into an output color signal, wherein the number of colors in the output color signal is less than a number of colors used in a display system, when a weighting of the input color signal is less than a specified threshold, and converting the input color signal into an output color signal, wherein the number of colors in the output color signal is equal to the number of colors used in the display system, when the weighting of the input color signal is greater than the specified threshold. The use of fewer colors eliminates low bit depth colors, allowing increased dither quality in dimmer images.
US08542242B2
Provided is a projection system including an image processor processing image data, the image processor acquires subsequent image data having an object included in an image temporarily subsequent to an image currently displayed by the projector. The projector stores the image data and the subsequent image data and updates the currently displayed image into the subsequent image on the basis of the subsequent image data when the update information received by the projector reception unit indicates that the currently displayed image is updated into the subsequent image.
US08542234B2
A system for arranging a plurality of nodes into graphical layout form partitions the nodes into a set of clusters from which a cluster graph is created. The cluster partitioning is based on the inter-nodal relationships, and cluster size depends on the number of nodes associated with each cluster. The clusters are laid out to avoid overlap, and cluster boundaries, within which nodes in a cluster are constrained, are generated. Nodes of each cluster as classified as either internal or boundary nodes, with boundary nodes being projected outward towards the boundary of the cluster. As an optional step, connection edges between nodes are routed to avoid overlap.
US08542231B2
Method for real-time computing of indirect illumination in a computer graphics image of a scene, comprising: defining a light propagation volume as a three-dimensional grid consisting of a plurality of grid cells; allocating a plurality of secondary light sources to grid cells of said light propagation volume; accumulating directional, colored irradiance contributions of all secondary light sources in a respective grid cell and repeating this step of accumulating for all grid cells of the light propagation volume to thereby obtain an initial indirect light intensity distribution. The propagation of light in said light propagation volume is then iteratively computed starting with the initial indirect light intensity to obtain a final indirect light intensity distribution, which is used for rendering the scene illuminated by the final indirect light intensity distribution during a usual scene rendering process from a camera's point of view.
US08542227B2
In a display apparatus, pixels are arranged in a matrix defined by gate lines and data lines, and each pixel includes a first sub pixel charged to a first pixel voltage and a second sub pixel charged to a second pixel voltage having a same voltage level as the first pixel voltage. A voltage controller controls a voltage level of the first and second pixel voltages charged in the pixels corresponding to the first through penultimate pixel rows in response to a next gate signal. A dummy voltage controller controls a voltage level of the first and second pixel voltages charged in the pixels corresponding to the last pixel row in response to a dummy gate signal. Where a dummy voltage controller is not included, a black matrix partially covers the efficient display area of the pixels corresponding to the last pixel row.
US08542226B2
A gate pulse modulating circuit includes a timing controller capable of generating an output enable signal and a plurality of timing control signals; a high gate voltage generating unit, electrically connected to the timing controller for receiving the timing control signals, capable of generating a high gate voltage with a waveform including a plurality of cutting edges in response to the timing control signals; a low gate voltage generating unit capable of generating a low gate voltage; and a gate driver, electrically connected to the timing controller for receiving the output enable signal and the high gate voltage generating unit for receiving the high gate voltage and the low gate voltage generating unit for receiving the low gate voltage, capable of generating a plurality of gate pulses in response to a plurality of enable periods of the output enable signal; wherein a waveform of the gate pulses includes a plurality of cutting edges.
US08542223B2
A display device includes a display panel, a polarization film, and a wave plate. Below the wave plate and the polarization film there is provided a plurality of optical sensors disposed within the display panel. The display panel includes first and second substrates facing each other and a plurality of pixels configured to display an image. The optical sensors are configured to sense light in one or more predetermined light bands. The wave plate is configured to rotate polarization of first light that has passed upwardly through the polarization film such that the combination of upward and downward (reflected) passage of the light is rotated by about 90 degrees. The so-rotated light is blocked from passing down through the polarization film; advantageously, the so-rotated light is prevented from interfering with the optical sensors.
US08542222B2
A differential amplifier circuit includes: an NMOS transistor pair connected with a non-inversion input terminal and an inversion input terminal; a PMOS transistor pair connected with the non-inversion input terminal and the inversion input terminal; and an output circuit section. The PMOS transistor pair includes first and second PMOS transistors, and the NMOS transistor pair includes first and second non-doped type NMOS transistors as a depletion type of NMOS transistors in which a channel region is formed in a P-type substrate without a P well. The output circuit section includes a first current mirror of a folded cascode type connected with the first and second non-doped type NMOS transistors, and outputs an output voltage in response to a current from the first current mirror.
US08542221B1
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for continuously adjusting a variable refresh rate to reduce the power consumption of a display device. The refresh rate of the display device tracks the effective frame rate of the content being displayed. As the effective frame rate of the content decreases, the refresh rate is lowered until a minimum value is reached. When the effective frame rate of the content equals the refresh rate, the refresh rate is increased until the refresh rate exceeds the effective frame rate of the content or until a maximum value is reached.
US08542219B2
An apparatus and method for processing pose data derived from a pose of an elongate object such as, for example, a jotting implement, a pointer, a robotic arm or a cane. The elongate object has a tip contacting a plane surface with one or more invariant features. The pose of the elongate object is measured optically from on-board by an optical measuring system with the aid of the invariant feature. The pose is used for preparing a corresponding pose data and a subset of the pose data is identified and transmitted to an application such as a user application, where the subset can serve as command data or input data. Since the elongate object moves while its tip is contacting the surface the pose is measured periodically at sufficiently frequent measurement times ti to describe the motion at a desired temporal resolution. The subset can include all or a portion of the orientation data that describe the orientation of the elongate object in space and/or position data of the tip on the surface. The position can be a relative position of the tip with respect to any feature or its previous position, or an absolute position in world coordinates. The subset can also contain a mix of orientation and position data.
US08542217B2
An apparatus is controlled to detect a location of an object on a touch surface of a panel. An input scanner arrangement introduces at least two beams of radiation into the panel for propagation by internal reflection, and sweeps the beams inside the panel across a sensing area. An output scanner arrangement is synchronized with the input scanner arrangement so as to receive the beams from the input scanner arrangement while they are swept across the sensing area and to direct the beams onto at least one radiation detector. Thereby, each beam is introduced and received on opposite ends of the sensing area. A data processor is connected to the radiation detector and operated to identify the location based on an attenuation of the beams caused by the object touching the touch surface within the sensing area.
US08542214B2
An image display device includes an image display unit, a capacitance type touch panel that is disposed on the surface of the image display unit, and a signal processing unit that outputs to a control unit a position signal corresponding to a pressed position on the touch panel or a signal corresponding to the distance between the touch panel and a finger based on the capacitance between the touch panel and the finger. When the approach of the finger to the touch panel is detected, sensitivity is lowered and a menu button is displayed. When the finger moves while pressing the menu button, a menu area and a menu icon are displayed. Accordingly, it is easy to operate the touch panel which is applied to a vehicle-mounted apparatus and it is easy to see a display screen.
US08542204B2
A method, device, and program product are provided for no-look entry of digits in a multi-touch device. A multi-touch screen of the multi-touch device senses an initializing combination of at least one touch. A no-look digit entry application assigns a binary value to each touched location. The multi-touch screen detects at least one combination of at least one touch of the touch screen. The no-look digit entry application determines the locations touched and enters digit inputs corresponding to the sum of the binary values assigned to the locations for each detected combination of touches.
US08542200B2
An image display device has touch sensing sensor components integrally distributed amongst pixel components of the device. In one embodiment, the distribution is one sensor component per one pixel component. In one embodiment, the pixel component forms a pixel portion of an image by selectively reflecting light and the sensor component is composed of a material that reflects light. More specifically, in one embodiment the light reflecting pixel component is an electrophoretic unit and the sensor component includes a layer of titanium having a color filter layer disposed below it and thus protectively covering it. Reflection of light from the light reflecting sensor layer is reduced by providing an anti-reflection layer above it. The sensor component changes resistance in response to change of local temperature or of an amount of infrared radiation impinging on it. Its resistance is measured by way of two wires connected thereto and extending through contact holes provided in the color filter layer.
US08542197B2
A display apparatus includes a display panel having a light emitting device, a sensor which senses an electric current flowing in the light emitting device, and a controller which determines that an external stimulus occurs to the display panel if a change of a sensed current exceeds a preset current change rate, and performs a predetermined operation on the basis of a determination result.
US08542186B2
In one embodiment a method of operating a mobile device includes sensing either an orientation or a movement of the mobile device, determining a command based on the sensed orientation or sensed movement, sensing a proximity of an object in relation to at least a portion of the mobile device, and executing the command upon the proximity of the object being sensed. In another embodiment, a method of operating a mobile device governs a manner of interaction of the mobile device relative to one or more other mobile devices. In at least some embodiments, at least one of the mobile devices includes an accelerometer and an infrared proximity sensor, and operation of the mobile device is determined based upon signals from those components.
US08542183B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a timing controller, a liquid crystal display panel, multiple data drivers, and gate drivers. The timing controller supplies control data to specified drivers among the data drivers. The specified drivers generate gate driver control signals to control gate drivers in response to the control data, and supply gate driver control signals to the gate drivers.
US08542176B2
A timing controller includes a control unit, an error signal generating unit, and an operation detecting unit. The control unit transfers a plurality of input data and outputs a plurality of completion signals according to transfer states of the respective data. The error signal generating unit generates a plurality of error signals with different waveforms, and the operation detecting unit selectively outputs one of the plurality of error signals in response to the plurality of completion signals.
US08542173B2
Display panels buffering display data from a data driver. The display panel comprises a first signal line, a first data line, a first scan line interlaced with the first data line, a first pixel coupled to the first data line and the first scan line, a first switching element comprising a first terminal coupled to the first data line, a first storage capacitor coupled between a second terminal of the first switching element and a ground, and a second switching element coupled to the first storage capacitor and the first signal line.
US08542172B2
A method of operating an electro-optic display apparatus, wherein the display apparatus includes a display device having image regions and a display driving system having a data input for selecting image regions. The data input is connected to the input of a distributor for providing signals for driving the image regions. Each image region has an active display state in which the image region is driven with an active voltage signal. The active voltage signal includes a first signal level which sets an image region to the active display state and a second signal level different from said first signal level and which is applied for a shorter duration than said first signal level. The method comprises the following three steps: (1) applying the first signal level to one of said image regions in response to receiving data on said data input indicating that said image region is to be set to the active display state, (2) applying the second signal level to said image region after said first signal level has been applied; and (3) reapplying said first signal level before receipt of further data for said image region on said data input.
US08542167B2
A display apparatus has several light emitting elements and several lenses. The light emitting elements generate light of a first and second part of a frame respectively during a first and second period. The lenses pass through by the light from the light emitting elements, and operate to form images of the first and second part of the frame at a first and second location during the first and second period, respectively.
US08542166B2
In performing a display in accordance with a video signal, a display signal for inspection is supplied to a pixel within a predetermined inspected row to operate an EL element therein and to thereby detect a current that flows through the EL element. The current detection data is stored in a volatile primary memory. In accordance with data obtained in this manner, a variation correcting section sequentially corrects data signals to be supplied to the respective pixel. At the time of turning on power, the variation correcting section performs the correction using the current detection data saved in a secondary memory. With this arrangement, it is possible to execute display variation correction from immediately after turning on power, and it is also possible to execute real-time correction.
US08542159B2
Provided is a cable connector of the present invention includes: a wiring board with a signal transmission line; and a plug connector that is provided on one surface of the wiring board and that is electrically connected with the signal transmission line. The wiring board comprises a first conductor, an insulating material, and a second conductor laminated in this order. In a slit formed in the second conductor, the signal transmission line that is a part of the second conductor cut out from the second conductor is arranged at a predetermined distance from the second conductor. The second conductor and the signal transmission line are arranged on the same plane.
US08542157B2
An antenna module includes an antenna, a tunable matching circuit, a power detector and a control unit. The antenna comprises a feeding point. The tunable matching circuit, electrically connected between the antenna and the power detector and configured to provide a loading impedance, comprises a plurality of tunable impedance elements connected to each other and electrically connected to the feeding point as well. The power detector is electrically connected between the tunable matching circuit and a power amplifier and configured to detect a power indicator. The control unit, electrically connected to the tunable matching circuit and the power detector, is configured to read the power indicator and RSSI to generate a control signal for the tunable matching circuit, which consistently changes the loading impedance to achieve impedance matching.
US08542151B2
An antenna unit is provided. The antenna unit includes a first substrate, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a plurality of conductive vias, a feed conductor and a patch. The first substrate includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is opposite to the second surface. The first conductive layer is disposed on the first surface. The second conductive layer is disposed on the second surface, wherein an opening is formed on the second conductive layer, and the opening has an opening edge. The conductive vias are formed in the first substrate and connect the first conductive layer to the second conductive layer, wherein the conductive vias surround the opening to define a cavity. The feed conductor extends above the opening to feed a wireless signal to the antenna unit. The patch is disposed above the opening and is separated from the feed conductor.
US08542149B2
An antenna according to the present invention comprises: a conductor plate with an axisymmetrical shape; a slot formed on the conductor plate; and a feeding point provided on the axisymmetrical axis of the conductor plate, in which the conductor plate is folded along two locations that are parallel to the axisymmetrical axis toward mutually different directions.
US08542144B2
An analog to digital converter converts an input analog signal to a digital representation using successive approximation logic to generate a plurality of digital values approximating the analog signal. Evaluation logic evaluates each of the digital values by converting each of the digital values in a digital to analog converter (DAC) to a DAC analog signal and comparing the DAC analog signal to the input analog signal to determine a comparison result used by the successive approximation logic to generate a next one of the digital values. An evaluation time period for one or more bits of the digital representation is longer than for one or more other bits in the digital representation. The DAC includes a resistor ladder. Reference voltages of the DAC are increased for evaluation of the least significant bit (LSB) to obtain more accurate results without increasing a number of resistors.
US08542128B2
A parking assisting apparatus that can reduce a burden of a driver at a preliminary stage of parking. The parking assisting apparatus assists parking of a vehicle and includes an obstacle detector that detects an obstacle near the vehicle and an information outputting mechanism that informs the driver of a parking space adjacent to the obstacle detected by the obstacle detector.
US08542121B2
Systems and methods for authorizing a waste item to be removed from a site. In one embodiment, a waste collection vehicle includes a reader configured to obtain identification information from an identification tag associated with the waste item. A transceiver associated with the vehicle is configured to: receive the identification information from the reader, wirelessly transmit the identification information to a remote computer for processing, and wirelessly receive an indication of whether the waste item should be collected and removed by the waste collection. The received indication is based on at least one hazardous characteristic associated with the identified waste item, a determination that the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic, and a determination that a driver of the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic.
US08542115B2
A detector is described. The detector includes one or more environmental sensors that measures a predetermined environmental parameter, a processor that compares the measured parameter with a plurality of threshold values and detects that the measured parameter exceeds one of the plurality of threshold values and constructs a message to a person associated with the exceeded threshold value and an Internet protocol network interface that forwards the constructed message to the person.
US08542110B2
A display method for a mobile terminal includes displaying an active object on a display of a mobile terminal, the active object being able to be manipulated by a user, and detecting a degree of tilt of the mobile terminal relative to a reference plane. The method further includes responsive to the detecting of the degree of tilt, displaying a selectable plurality of inactive objects on the display, highlighting an object of the plurality of inactive objects responsive to user touch input relative to an associated one of the plurality of inactive objects, and deactivating the active object and displaying the highlighted object as a presently active object on the display responsive to user touch input relative to the highlighted object.
US08542105B2
Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.
US08542102B2
The invention relates to a method for operating an RFID network consisting of a number of read-write stations (1, 2, 3, 11, N0-N17), for which a reader service signal (9, 105) is modulated onto a read-write signal that is required to process a number of electronic labels (6). According to the invention, the following steps are carried out: at least one read-write station (1 2, 3, 11, N0-N17) is entrusted with the function of a master (100) that has stored a network structure (110) comprising structure data and a co-ordination plan containing co-ordination data; the master or masters transmit(s) (100) at least corresponding data for an organized synchronous network operation to the read-write stations (1, 2, 3, 11, N0-N17) periodically and/or on demand, so that the read-write stations (1, 2, 3, 11, N0-N17) do not interfere with one another during the read-write operation. This is achieved using a number of time slots (21, 31, 41) and a number of frequency channels (20, 30, 40), a service frequency channel (reader service channel, RSK) and/or a service time slot (reader service time, RST) being available and used to synchronize and modify the structure and co-ordination data between the master (100) and the read-write stations (1, 2, 3, 11, N0-N17).
US08542097B2
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for sharing information related to a location also referred to herein as a “spot,” such as spot alerts and/or spot comments (e.g., shared information, advertisements, etc.) received, displayed, played, and/or actuated, for example, on recipient mobile electronic devices proximately located to such location (e.g., spot). Users of the system can create spot alerts in which designated recipients can receive messages, such as spot alerts and/or spot comments (e.g., shared information, advertisements, etc.) received, displayed, played, and/or actuated, for example, on respective recipient mobile electronic devices, when located within a proximity of a defined location (e.g., spot).
US08542094B2
Privacy of information is protected by a method of securing access to information associated with a value item, the method involving comparing a security signature and a stored profile, and permitting access to the information associated with the value item if the security signature matches the stored profile.An apparatus and method for detecting an item is provided in accordance with other aspects of the invention. The apparatus includes one or more sources operable to produce electromagnetic radiation in a range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum; and one or more imaging devices, such as cameras, operable to produce images of the item. Different images may be produced for different ranges of wavelengths being produced. A material profile may be made from digital representations of the images for subsequent authentication of the item and for detecting changes to the item.
US08542087B1
Apparatus including a combined monitor and display assembly installable in an area occupied by an individual, and at the location occupied by the individual's caregiver. There is a microphone and video camera to provide sounds generated by the individual or an image of the individual and an audio or video transmitter connected to the microphone and camera to transmit a signal from the microphone and video camera that is intercepted by a mobile telephone so that the signal can be heard or seen by an observer at a site remote from the enclosure. The distress sounds are pre-programmed into the device so that only pre-selected distress sounds cause the mobile telephone to be contacted.
US08542084B1
A trip unit for use with a circuit protection device including a trip mechanism includes a support bracket and a magnet member coupled to the support bracket. The magnet member is configured to emit a magnetic field when a current is transmitted through the trip mechanism. The magnet member includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and a rear portion coupled between the first side portion and the second side portion. The trip unit also includes a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the support bracket. The pivot arm includes a first end, a second end, and a curved portion coupled to the first end and the second end. The pivot arm is configured to pivot towards the magnet member to cause the trip mechanism to interrupt the current when the current exceeds a first threshold.
US08542081B2
In an exemplary embodiment, a dual-band four-port orthomode transducer (OMT) is molded or cast. The OMT may be external to a transceiver housing or included as an integrated portion of the transceiver housing or a drop-in module. In an exemplary embodiment, a four-port OMT is formed from two pieces, the two pieces having a joint adjacent to or aligned to the axis of the common port. In an exemplary embodiment, the OMT is substantially planar and formed of a split-block embodiment. The two OMT pieces are joined and held together with a plurality of discrete fasteners. Furthermore, the OMT is configured to switch polarizations. The polarization switching is initiated using a remote signal and can facilitate load balancing.
US08542080B2
A phase-shift network may include a first capacitor connected between a first input node and a first output node, and a second capacitor connected between a second input node and a second output node. Further, a 5 first filter section may be connected between the first input node and the second output node, and a second filter section may be connected between the second input node and the first output node. One or both of the first and second filter sections may include an inductance and a high-pass network. The high-pass network may include third and fourth capacitors and a first inductor. The inductance and third and fourth capacitors may be connected in series between the respective input and output nodes. The first inductor may have a first end connected to an intermediate node between the third and fourth capacitors and a second end connected to a circuit ground.
US08542074B2
A MEMS resonator including: an input port which is applied with an input voltage; an output port which outputs an output current; and N MEMS resonating units (N being an integer greater than or equal to 2), the MEMS resonating unit each including a vibrator and being connected to the input port and output port, in which the N MEMS resonating units are serially connected to the input port.
US08542069B2
A method for trimming a cycle time of an adjustable oscillator to match a Controller Area Network-bus (CAN-bus) operating with a predetermined bit time includes determining a measured number of cycles of an adjustable oscillator between a first signal and a second signal within a CAN frame transmitted on a CAN-bus; determining an information about a present cycle time of the adjustable oscillator using the measured number of cycles and a nominal number of cycles per bit time; and trimming a cycle time of an adjustable oscillator to match the CAN-bus operating with a predetermined bit time based on the determined information.
US08542068B2
A device may include an oscillator to generate a clock signal based on first and second control signals. The oscillator may include a first buffer stage a second buffer stage. The first buffer stage may output a first signal that is based on an output of the second buffer stage and the first control signal. The second buffer stage may output the clock signal. The clock signal may be based on the first signal and the second control signal.
US08542060B2
A constant current circuit includes a depletion type MOS transistor, a first current mirror circuit, and a second current mirror circuit. The first and second current mirror circuits each include first and second MOS transistors where a gate of the first and second MOS transistors is connected to a drain of the first MOS transistor. A third MOS transistor has a gate connected to one terminal of a resistor and to the drain of the first MOS transistor of the first current mirror circuit, a source connected to a ground terminal, and a drain connected to an output terminal of the second current mirror circuit.
US08542051B2
A level shift circuit including a level conversion unit that converts an input signal having a signal level of a first voltage into a signal having a signal level of a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. The level conversion unit includes first and second MOS transistors of a first conductivity type and third and fourth MOS transistors of a second conductivity type, which differs from the first conductivity type and of which switching is controlled in accordance with the input signal. The third and fourth MOS transistors include drains supplied with the second voltage via the first and second MOS transistors, respectively. A control unit, when detecting a decrease in the first voltage, controls a body bias of the third and fourth MOS transistors to decrease a threshold voltage of the third and fourth MOS transistors.
US08542039B2
In an example, a high-speed pre-driver and voltage level converter with built-in de-emphasis for HDMI transmit applications is provided. An exemplary integrated circuit includes a serializer, a pre-driver coupled to receive a differential input from the serializer, and a driver. The pre-driver includes all-p-type metal-oxide-silicon (PMOS) cross-coupled level converter comprising four PMOS transistors and two de-emphasis PMOS transistors forming a de-emphasis tap coupled to the output of the cross-coupled level converter. The driver is coupled to the pre-driver output and is configured to receive a differential input from the pre-driver.
US08542035B2
A squelch detection circuit for high-speed serial communication includes: an input level shifter configured to receive signals inputted through signal lines and shift the received signals to a predetermined potential level; a comparator configured to receive signals outputted from the input level shifter, and compares the received signals to determine whether data signals are noise or signal components; and a reset signal generator configured to receive the signals outputted from the input level shifter, convert the received signals into a single signal, and then generate a reset signal for an elastic buffer. The squelch detection circuit may detect a squelch state and provide a reset value for an elastic buffer in a USB 2.0 interface, and may reduce power consumption as much as possible in a suspend mode.
US08542031B2
Disclosed is a circuit for adjusting a voltage supplied to an IC by a power supply circuit that produces a regulated-output voltage based on an output-control signal generated by a resistive voltage divider. The circuit includes a PVT detector configured to generate an interface control signal and an interface circuit (i) connected to PVT detector and to the resistive voltage divider and (ii) configured to adjust its resistance in response to the interface control signal. Adjusting the resistance of the interface circuit causes the voltage of the output-control signal to be adjusted, thus causing the power supply circuit to adjust the regulated output voltage.
US08542029B1
Methods and apparatus for testing packaged ICs are disclosed. In some embodiments, an apparatus for testing a packaged integrated circuit (IC) can include a pre-test station having a height detection system configured to detect a height of a packaged IC when disposed therein prior to testing; a testing station for testing the packaged IC received from the pre-test station; and a device handler for moving the packaged IC to the testing station. In some embodiments, a method for testing packaged ICs may include detecting a height of a packaged IC to be tested disposed in a pre-test station; comparing the height to an expected height; and determining whether the detected height of the packaged IC is different than the expected height of the packaged IC by greater than or equal to a desired amount.
US08542027B2
A probe card is provided. The probe card can serialize, analogize and divide a digital signal by a analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and a power divided unit respectively. The probe card can increase signal channels, and is not restricted by signal channels of a tester to test more DUTs simultaneously. Moreover, the probe card has fine impedance matching and channels separating to raise testing efficiency and reduce signal loss.
US08542026B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, an impedance measuring instrument, and a control device. The control device is connected to the impedance measuring instrument. The impedance measuring instrument measures the impedance of the fuel cell according to the AC impedance method. The control device stores in advance a reference value corresponding to a reference hydrogen concentration. The control device compares the real part Z′ of impedance acquired via the impedance measuring instrument against the reference value. When Z′ is equal to or greater than the reference value, the control device estimates the hydrogen concentration of the fuel cell to be equal to or less than the reference hydrogen concentration.
US08542024B2
Methods and sensors for selective fluid sensing are provided. A sensor includes a resonant inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) circuit and a sensing material disposed over a sensing region. The sensing region comprises at least a portion of the LCR circuit. Temperature-dependent response coefficients of inductance L, capacitance C, and resistance R properties of the LCR circuit and the sensing material are at least approximately 5 percent different from one another. The difference in the temperature-dependent response coefficients of the properties of the LCR circuit and the sensing material enables the sensor to selectively detect analyte fluids from an analyzed fluid mixture substantially independent of temperature.
US08542022B2
Disclosed is a very low frequency test generator for generating a high voltage having a low frequency in order to test the insulation of capacitive loads, in particular power cables. Said VLF test generator comprises two oscillators, the frequencies of which differ from one another by twice said low frequency, a resonance circuit which is fed in an interfering manner by the oscillators, is adjusted to the oscillator frequencies and causes a voltage rise of the interfering oscillator frequencies, and a demodulator for disconnecting the low-frequency high voltage generated by the interference from the resonance circuit and applying the same to the load.
US08542019B2
A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy to a microwave energy delivery device, a measurement system configured to measure at least one parameter of the microwave energy delivery device and a switching network configured to electrically isolate the microwave energy source and the measurement system. The measurement system is configured to actively measure in real time at least one parameter related to the microwave energy delivery device.
US08542017B2
A system and method for measuring the shape of an object using a magnetic induction radio sensor involves at least partially enclosing the object with a magnetic loop antenna of the magnetic induction radio sensor, where the inductance of the magnetic loop antenna depends on the shape of the object, and providing a particular capacitance at an antenna matching circuit coupled to the magnetic loop antenna in response to the inductance of the magnetic loop antenna such that the magnetic loop antenna and the antenna matching circuit form a resonant circuit and the resonant circuit has a fixed resonant frequency, where the particular capacitance is used to measure the shape of the object.
US08542012B2
Example systems and methods control a parallel magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) apparatus to acquire non-Cartesian (e.g., spiral) calibration data sets throughout time. Example systems and methods also control the pMRI apparatus to acquire an under-sampled non-Cartesian data set from the object to be imaged. Example systems and methods then control the pMRI apparatus to reconstruct an image of the object to be imaged from the under-sampled non-Cartesian data set. The reconstruction depends, at least in part, on a through-time non-Cartesian GRAPPA calibration where a value for a point missing from k-space in the under-sampled non-Cartesian data set is computed using a GRAPPA weight set calibrated and applied for the missing point. The GRAPPA weight set is computed from data in the non-Cartesian calibration data sets.
US08541999B2
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that implements a switched-capacitor power converter which is configured to actively control power loss while converting an input voltage to an output voltage. This system includes one or more switched-capacitor blocks (SCBs), wherein each SCB includes a first capacitor and a set of switching devices configured to couple a constant-potential terminal and a time-varying-potential terminal of the first capacitor between the input voltage, the output voltage and a reference voltage. The system also includes a clocking circuit which produces gate drive signals for switching transistors in the one or more SCBs. The system additionally includes a controller configured to actively control the gate drive signals from the clocking circuit to substantially minimize the power loss for the switched-capacitor power converter.
US08541993B2
Methods and apparatus for control of DC-DC converters, especially in valley current mode. The DC-DC converter is operable so that a low side supply switch may be turned off, before the high side supply switch is turned on. During the period when both switches are off the current loop control remains active and the change in inductor (L) current is emulated. One embodiment uses a current sensor for lossless current sensing and emulates the change in inductor current by holding the value of the output of the current sensor (ISNS) at the time that the low side switch turns off and adding an emulated ramp signal (VISLP) until the inductor current reaches zero. Embodiment employing a pulse-skip mode of operation based on a minimum conduction time are also disclosed. The invention enables a seamless transition from Continuous Conduction Mode the Discontinuous Conduction Mode and Pulse Skipping and provide converters that are efficient at low current loads.
US08541982B2
A battery system including an assembled battery, a charge mode for charging the assembled battery and a discharge mode for converting electric energy charged in the assembled battery to AC power having the same or substantially the same frequency as a grid and supplying the AC power to a power supply line through which the grid and a load are connected further including a current detector for detecting current supplied to the load, and a control device for calculating an average power usage of past several days based on current being detected by the current detector, and converting the amount of electric power corresponding to the difference between the average power usage and a power usage based on the current value from the current detector to the AC power from the assembled battery to the load in the discharge mode to supply the AC power to the power supply line.
US08541979B2
Systems and methods for actively balancing battery cells are disclosed. In one example, a charge is supplied to different battery cells at different times during a battery discharge cycle. The method may reduce instantaneous current draw within a battery pack.
US08541978B2
A feed control device includes a contact device, an output detector, a contact weld sensor, and an alarm device. The output detector is configured to detect the presence of power feeding into the side of an electrically-powered car from an external power supply. The contact weld sensor is configured to sense that the contact device is welded based on a detection result of the output detector if detecting the presence of power feeding from the external power supply to a feed line for the contact device when a state signal representing charge permission is not entered. The alarm device is configured, if the contact weld sensor senses that the contact device is welded, to indicate the occurrence of weld to the outside.
US08541977B2
A coil unit includes a planar coil that has a transmission side and a non-transmission side, a magnetic sheet provided over the non-transmission side of the planar coil, and a heat sink/magnetic shield plate stacked on a side of the magnetic sheet opposite to a side that faces the planar coil, the heat sink/magnetic shield plate dissipating heat generated by the planar coil and shielding magnetism by absorbing a magnetic flux that has not been absorbed by the magnetic sheet. The heat sink/magnetic shield plate has a thickness larger than that of the magnetic sheet.
US08541971B2
When applying a high frequency voltage which alternates on positive and negative sides to a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a driving system of synchronous motor switches the applied voltage phase by 120 degrees successively and applies resultant voltages to three phases. A pulsating current generated by applying a high frequency voltage is detected at timing of elapse of a predetermined time Δt since an output voltage of at least one phase has changed from a state in which all output voltages of the three phases of a power converter are positive or negative. Current detection is conducted by using a DC resistor or a phase current sensor provided on a DC bus. A magnetic pole estimation unit calculates the rotor magnetic pole position of the permanent magnet synchronous motor on the basis of differences between positive side and negative side change quantities in three-phase currents obtained from detected current values.
US08541960B2
A local minimum of a current monitoring signal is identified by a starter unit that turns off a fluorescent lamp without using a wall switch. Closing a main switch in the starter unit stops an illuminating current from flowing through a gas in the lamp. The local minimum of the current monitoring signal is reached when an increasing valid sample is identified following four valid samples. A sample is valid if it does not differ from the preceding valid sample by more than a threshold difference based on known properties of the signal. By skipping invalid samples, the local minimum is accurately determined to have been reached despite transient noise spikes in the signal that would trip any voltage threshold used to locate the local minimum. When the main switch is opened at a predetermined time after the local minimum, the illuminating current does not again flow through the gas.
US08541959B2
The system, which provides a control signal, includes an over-current control unit, a time clock that provides a periodic time signal, and a clock generator unit that includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The first input terminal is coupled to the time clock and the output terminal is coupled to the over-current control unit. The first input terminal of the clock generator unit receives the periodic time signal and the second input terminal of the clock generator unit receives a modification signal. The clock generator unit generates a clock signal based on the periodic time signal and the modification signal. The output terminal of the clock generator unit provides the clock signal to the over-current control unit, and the over-current control unit provides a control signal based on the clock signal.
US08541953B2
Disclosed herein is a light emitting diode (LED) driving device for driving a multi-channel LED element or an LED array for each channel, the LED driving device including: a constant current driver driving currents flowing in each channel; a first switching unit selectively feeding-back voltage levels of each channel; and a switching controller controlling the turn on/off of the first switching unit, wherein matching characteristics of currents flowing in each channel is improved and a size of an integrated circuit (IC) chip is also reduced as compared to a case according to the related art, thereby making it possible to reduce a production cost and satisfy the trend of miniaturization of the chip, while solving a performance deterioration problem due to degradation of the matching of the currents between the channels.
US08541943B2
A highly bright electroluminescent wire includes a metal core electrode, an internal electron-emitting layer, an internal highly dielectric layer, a glowing layer, an external highly dielectric layer, an external electron-emitting layer, a transparent conductive layer, an electrode of external conductive layer, a transparent protective plastic layer and a color fluorescent transparent plastic layer orderly coated around the metal core electrode. The metal core electrode and the electrode of external conductive layer are charged with a voltage of AC50-400V and a frequency of 0.05 KHz to 20 KHz to produce a colored highly bright light.
US08541937B2
A lamp for use in light strings comprises an LED lamp, a lamp stem connected with the LED lamp and a lamp holder in which the lamp stem is arranged, wherein the lamp holder is internally provided with a conductive element electrically connected with wires, the LED lamp is connected with the conductive element through the lamp stem, the conductive element comprises a first conductive element and a second conductive element which are positioned at the left side and the right side in the lamp holder, the lower part of the lamp stem is provided with a protruded end which is clamped between the two conductive elements, the inner wall of the lamp holder is provided with an elastic element which can enable the two conductive elements to be contacted with and conductive with current when the lamp stem is pulled out.
US08541927B2
A flexible vibration board (12), a piezoelectric element (13) fixed to at least one side of the vibration board (12), and a fixed board (14) and a weight (16) for promoting deformation of the piezoelectric element (13) caused by vibration of the vibration board (12) are provided in the body (10). When the body (10) vibrates by receiving external force, the weight (16) rocks to cause vibration of the vibration board (12), or when the vibration board (12) vibrates, vibration of the vibration board (12) is sustained by the inertia of the weight (16) and the vibration board (12) deforms through vibration thus deforming the piezoelectric element (13) furthermore.
US08541924B2
An insulator assembly for a stator assembly of an electric machine includes an annular ring attached to a stator core, and a plurality of coil separators supported by the annular ring and extending from the annular ring axially along a longitudinal axis. One of the coil separators is disposed between each adjacent pair of the coils to prevent contact between adjacent coils having a different electrical phase. The coil separators are slideably inserted between the adjacent pairs of coils, with the annular ring positioning and supporting the coil separators.
US08541921B2
The present invention relates to a stator for a motor having a stator core having an annular back yoke and teeth protruded annularly in a radial direction from the back yoke, a plurality of coils adapted to be wound on the teeth, and an insulator adapted to cover the stator core and the coils for insulation and having supporting ends formed sequentially to have different heights so as to support the plurality of coils thereon, thereby preventing the plurality of coils from being in contact with one another and locking projections formed at both sides or one side of the supporting ends so as to prevent the coils from escaping from the supporting ends, wherein each of the supporting ends has a stepped groove formed at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the locking projections so as to allow the nozzle of the coil winding machine to be accessed thereto, and a total of the depth of the stepped groove and the height of each of the locking projections is larger than the radius of the nozzle.
US08541920B2
A switched reluctance motor includes at least four stator poles and an electrically conductive material around each of the stator poles. The geometric outline, on one side of the stator pole, of at least one of the conductive materials is not rectangular, as viewed from a cross-section of the switched reluctance motor showing each of the stator poles.
US08541913B2
A power tool includes a housing, a brushless motor, and a cover member. The housing has an air intake hole and an air exhaust hole formed therein, the housing having an inner surface. The brushless motor has an outer surface disposed in the housing, a first endface near the air intake hole, and a second endface near the air exhaust hole. The cover member covers at least one of the first endface and the second endface for preventing dust from entering the brushless motor. The inner surface of the housing and outer surface of the brushless motor define a circulation path providing communication between the air intake hole and the air exhaust hole.
US08541912B2
A planar motor includes a flat base element arranged in a plane, and substantially cuboidal first magnets arranged on the base element whose magnetization is perpendicular to the plane and which are arranged at evenly spaced intervals and with alternating polarity in a first direction and in a second direction. The planar motor also includes substantially cuboidal second magnets whose magnetization is parallel to the plane and which are disposed with alternating polarity in the first direction and second direction between the first magnets, so that each first magnet is surrounded by four second magnets. The first magnets are disposed on protrusions of the base element.
US08541909B2
A system and method for supplying power to a variable speed motor for rotating a shaft may include generating an A/C output having a variable frequency corresponding to speed of a prime mover, where the speed of the prime mover is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed limit. The A/C output of the prime mover may be distributed to the variable speed motor such that the speed of the variable speed motor is varied relative to the frequency of the A/C output. The variable speed motor may be electrically disconnected from the A/C power when the speed of the prime mover being used to drive the variable speed motor is equal to or within a predetermined range of the predetermined speed limit. An alternate A/C output may be distributed to the variable speed motor after the A/C power is electrically disconnected from the variable speed motor.
US08541903B2
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a power line communication (PLC) system. For example, the PLC system may include a PLC server configured to provide electrical power and electronic communications through a PLC bus to a number of electronic devices, such as an instrument cluster, infotainment interface, rear-seat entertainment console, aftermarket accessories, and the like. The PLC system may also include a power system that may be coupled to an electrical grid for charging a battery associated with one or more of the electronic devices. The power system may be communicatively coupled to the PLC bus, enabling the devices coupled to the PLC bus to communicate with a service provider through the electrical grid. The communications between the devices coupled to the PLC bus and remote devices coupled through the electrical grid may be conducted using a common communication protocol.
US08541902B2
A cooling system for cooling an electric generator of a wind power turbine including, in one embodiment: (a) a first heat exchanger fittable to the wind power turbine to release heat, produced by the electric generator, to the outside; (b) a second heat exchanger fittable to the rotor of the electric generator to receive heat from the rotor by thermal conduction, and which rotates about the axis of rotation of the rotor with respect to the first heat exchanger; and (c) a closed circuit extending through the first and second heat exchanger to circulate cooling liquid.
US08541893B2
A semiconductor memory device and a power line arrangement method are disclosed. The semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of pads, each pad including an upper pad and a lower pad arranged below the upper pad, wherein pad power lines are arranged below the lower pads of the plurality of pads in a direction of crossing the pads to interconnect the pads that transmit the same level of electrical power among the plurality of pads.
US08541889B2
A probe card includes a main circuit board electrically connected to a tester in order to test a plurality of unpackaged sets of chips, a frame provided on the main circuit board and including a plurality of sockets for respectively receiving the unpackaged sets of chips, probe blocks respectively provided in the sockets and including a plurality of probes electrically connected to input/output terminals of the unpackaged sets of chips, and a cover plate positioned over the frame and including a plurality of pressure members for pressurizing the unpackaged sets of chips in the sockets.
US08541885B2
By locally adapting the size and/or density of a contact structure, for instance, within individual transistors or in a more global manner, the overall performance of advanced semiconductor devices may be increased. Hence, the mutual interaction between the contact structure and local device characteristics may be taken into consideration. On the other hand, a high degree of compatibility with conventional process strategies may be maintained.
US08541878B2
A semiconductor device including a first material layer adjacent to a second material layer, a first via passing through the first material layer and extending into the second material layer, and a second via extending into the first material layer, where along a common cross section parallel to an interface between the two material layers, the first via has a cross section larger than that of the second via.
US08541873B2
Packaged microelectronic elements are provided which include a dielectric element, a cavity, a plurality of chip contacts and a plurality of package contacts, and microelectronic elements having a plurality of bond pads connected to the chip contacts.
US08541872B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit package system includes: forming a non-inverted internal stacking module including: fabricating an internal stacking module (ISM) substrate having an ISM component side and an ISM coupling side, coupling an internal stacking module integrated circuit to the ISM component side, coupling stacking structures, adjacent to the internal stacking module integrated circuit, on the ISM component side, and molding a stacking module body having a top surface that is coplanar with and exposes the stacking structures; forming a base package substrate under the non-inverted internal stacking module; coupling middle structures between the base package substrate and the ISM coupling side; and forming a base package body on the base package substrate, the middle structures, and the non-inverted internal stacking module including exposing the top surface of the stacking module body to be coplanar with the base package body.
US08541868B2
A method for forming a DRAM MIM capacitor stack having low leakage current involves the use of a first electrode that serves as a template for promoting the high k phase of a subsequently deposited dielectric layer. The high k dielectric layer comprises a doped material that can be crystallized after a subsequent annealing treatment. A metal oxide second electrode layer is formed above the dielectric layer. The metal oxide second electrode layer has a crystal structure that is compatible with the crystal structure of the dielectric layer. Optionally, a second electrode bulk layer is formed above the metal oxide second electrode layer.
US08541866B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, includes: a stacked structural unit including a plurality of stacked component units stacked in a first direction, each of the stacked component units including a first conducting film made of a semiconductor of a first conductivity type provided perpendicular to the first direction and a first insulating film stacked in the first direction with the first conducting film; a semiconductor pillar piercing the stacked structural unit in the first direction and including a conducting region of a second conductivity type, the semiconductor pillar including a first region opposing each of the first conducting films, and a second region provided between the first regions with respect to the first direction, the second region having a resistance different from a resistance of the first region; and a second insulating film provided between the semiconductor pillar and the first conducting film.
US08541858B2
A solid state imaging device includes: a first photoelectric conversion layer of an organic material; a second photoelectric conversion layer of an inorganic material; a third photoelectric conversion layer of an inorganic material; a first filter of an inorganic material; a second filter of an inorganic material. The first photoelectric conversion layer photoelectrically-converts a light of a first color. The first filter is disposed between the first photoelectric conversion layer and the second photoelectric conversion layer to selectively guide a light of a second color, out of a light that passed through the first photoelectric conversion layer, to the second photoelectric conversion layer. The second filter being disposed between the first photoelectric conversion layer and the third photoelectric conversion layer to selectively guide a light of a third color, out of the light that passed through the first photoelectric conversion layer, to the third photoelectric conversion layer.
US08541855B2
A MTJ for a spintronic device is disclosed and includes a thin seed layer that enhances perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in an overlying laminated layer with a (Co/Ni)n composition or the like where n is from 2 to 30. The seed layer is preferably NiCr, NiFeCr, Hf, or a composite thereof with a thickness from 10 to 100 Angstroms. Furthermore, a magnetic layer such as CoFeB may be formed between the laminated layer and a tunnel barrier layer to serve as a transitional layer between a (111) laminate and (100) MgO tunnel barrier. There may be a Ta insertion layer between the CoFeB layer and laminated layer to promote (100) crystallization in the CoFeB layer. The laminated layer may be used as a reference layer, dipole layer, or free layer in a MTJ. Annealing between 300° C. and 400° C. may be used to further enhance PMA in the laminated layer.
US08541846B2
At least one of a plurality of transistors which are highly integrated in an element is provided with a back gate without increasing the number of manufacturing steps. In an element including a plurality of transistors which are longitudinally stacked, at least a transistor in an upper portion includes a metal oxide having semiconductor characteristics, a same layer as a gate electrode of a transistor in a lower portion is provided to overlap with a channel formation region of the transistor in an upper portion, and part of the same layer as the gate electrode functions as a back gate of the transistor in an upper portion. The transistor in a lower portion which is covered with an insulating layer is subjected to planarization treatment, whereby the gate electrode is exposed and connected to a layer functioning as source and drain electrodes of the transistor in an upper portion.
US08541845B2
In one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a well region within a substrate. A plurality of transistors is formed within and/or over the well region. The method further includes forming a first discharge device within the substrate. The first discharge device is coupled to the well region and a low voltage node. During subsequent processing, the first discharge device discharges charge from the well region.
US08541844B2
The present invention provides a semiconductor device in which a bottom-gate TFT or an inverted stagger TFT arranged in each circuit is suitably constructed in conformity with the functionality of the respective circuits, thereby attaining an improvement in the operating efficiency and reliability of the semiconductor device. In the structure, LDD regions in a pixel TFT are arranged so as not to overlap with a channel protection insulating film and to overlap with a gate electrode by at least a portion thereof. LDD regions in an N-channel TFT of a drive circuit is arranged so as not to overlap with a channel protection insulating film and to overlap with a gate electrode by at least a portion thereof. LDD regions in a P-channel TFT of the drive circuit is arranged so as to overlap with a channel protection insulating film and to overlap with the gate electrode.
US08541837B2
A semiconductor device having a semiconductor body, a source metallization arranged on a first surface of the semiconductor body and a trench including a first trench portion and a second trench portion and extending from the first surface into the semiconductor body is provided. The semiconductor body further includes a pn-junction formed between a first semiconductor region and a second semiconductor region. The first trench portion includes an insulated gate electrode which is connected to the source metallization, and the second trench portion includes a conductive plug which is connected to the source metallization and to the second semiconductor region.
US08541829B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes a memory cell transistor including a first floating gate electrode layer formed on a first tunneling insulating film, a first inter-gate insulating film, first and second control gate electrode layers, and a first metallic silicide film; a high voltage transistor including a high voltage gate electrode layer formed on a high voltage gate insulating film, a second inter-gate insulating film having an aperture, third and fourth control gate electrode layers, and a second metallic silicide film; a low voltage transistor including a second floating gate electrode layer formed on a second tunneling insulating film, a third inter-gate insulating film having an aperture, fifth and sixth control gate electrode layers, and a third metallic silicide film; and a liner insulating film directly disposed on source and drain regions of each of the memory cell transistor, the low voltage transistor, and the high voltage transistor.
US08541828B2
Methods for depositing high-K dielectrics are described, including depositing a first electrode on a substrate, wherein the first electrode is chosen from the group consisting of platinum and ruthenium, applying an oxygen plasma treatment to the exposed metal to reduce the contact angle of a surface of the metal, and depositing a titanium oxide layer on the exposed metal using at least one of a chemical vapor deposition process and an atomic layer deposition process, wherein the titanium oxide layer includes at least a portion of rutile titanium oxide.
US08541822B2
A semiconductor device comprising at least two wiring layers on a substrate or a surface layer of the substrate, wherein a lower wiring layer of the two wiring layers contains silicon, and a silicon carbide layer is placed between the lower wiring layer and an upper wiring layer.
US08541816B2
In a group III nitride hetero junction transistor 11a, a second AlY1InY2Ga1-Y1-Y2N layer 15 forms a hetero junction 21 with a first AlX1InX2Ga1-X1-X2N layer 13a. A first electrode 17 forms a Schottky junction with the first AlX1InX2Ga1-X1-X2N layer 13a. The first AlX1InX2Ga1-X1-X2N layer 13a and the second AlY1InY2Ga1-Y1-Y2N layer 15 are provided over a substrate 23. The electrodes 17a, 18a, and 19a include a source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode, respectively. The carbon concentration NC13 in the first AlX1InX2Ga1-X1-X2N layer 13a is less than 1×1017 cm−3. The dislocation density D in the second AlY1InY2Ga1-Y1-Y2N layer 15 is 1×108 cm−2. The hetero junction 21 generates a two-dimensional electron gas layer 25. These provide a low-loss gallium nitride based electronic device.
US08541812B2
A semiconductor device (10) comprising a bipolar transistor and a field effect transistor within a semiconductor body (1) comprising a projecting mesa (5) within which are at least a portion of a collector region (22d and 22e) and a base region (33d) of the bipolar transistor. The bipolar transistor is provided with a first insulating cavity (92) provided in the collector region (22d and 22e). The base region (33d) is narrower in the plane of the substrate than the collector region (22d and 22e) due to a second insulating cavity (94) provided around the base region (33d) and between the collector region (22d and 22e) and the emitter region (4). By blocking diffusion from the base region the first insulating cavity (92) provides a reduction in the base collector capacitance and can be described as defining the base contact.
US08541804B2
An object of the present invention is to realize a numerical aperture higher than that of a pixel having a conventional construction by using a pixel circuit having a novel construction in an electro-optical device. Therefore, it is utilized that the electric potential of a gate signal line in a row except for an i-th row is set to a constant electric potential in a period except for when a gate signal line (106) in the i-th row is selected. A gate signal line 111 in an (i−1)-th row is also used as an electric current supply line for an EL element (103) controlled by the gate signal line (106) in the i-th row. Thus, wiring number is reduced and high numerical aperture is realized.
US08541802B2
A white LED assembly includes a blue LED die attached to a substrate. A first volume of a first luminescent material surrounds the blue LED die in a lateral dimension such that none of the first luminescent material is disposed directly over the blue LED die. The first luminescent material includes a relatively inefficient phosphor having a peak emission wavelength longer than 620 nm and includes substantially no phosphor having a peak emission wavelength shorter than 620 nm. A second volume of a second luminescent material is disposed over the first volume and the blue LED die. The second luminescent material includes a relatively efficient phosphor having a peak emission wavelength shorter than 620 nm and includes substantially no phosphor having a peak emission wavelength longer than 620 nm. Placement of the first and second luminescent materials in this way promotes removal of heat from the inefficient phosphor and reduces the likelihood of interabsorption.
US08541800B2
There is provided a light emitting device package including: a package body providing a chip mounting area and including first and second lead terminals; an LED chip mounted on the chip mounting area and electrically connected to the first and second lead terminals; a groove portion disposed around the LED chip in the chip mounting area; and a wavelength conversion portion formed of a resin containing a wavelength conversion material with which to enclose the LED chip and having an outer shape defined by the groove portion.
US08541799B2
A light-emitting element package includes a package member for encapsulating a light-emitting element. A plurality of photonic crystal patterns is formed on the package member. A distribution density of the photonic crystal patterns corresponds to light distribution of the light-emitting element. Each photonic crystal pattern consists of a plurality of photonic crystals.
US08541797B2
An illuminator includes a substrate, a structured conductive layer applied to one surface of the substrate, and at least one light source connected to the structured conductive layer. The illuminator further includes an unstructured reflective layer applied on top of the structured conductive layer. The unstructured reflective layer has an essentially continuous extension at least in a surrounding of the at least one light source.
US08541790B2
An object of the invention is to provide a lighting device which can suppress luminance nonuniformity in a light emitting region when the lighting device has large area. A layer including a light emitting material is formed between a first electrode and a second electrode, and a third electrode is formed to connect to the first electrode through an opening formed in the second electrode and the layer including a light emitting material. An effect of voltage drop due to relatively high resistivity of the first electrode can be reduced by electrically connecting the third electrode to the first electrode through the opening.
US08541789B2
Disclosed is a light-emitting device including a permanent substrate, an adhesive layer on the permanent substrate, a current diffusion layer on the adhesive layer, and a semiconductor stack layer on the current diffusion layer. The current diffusion layer has an etched portion and an unetched portion, wherein the etched and unetched portions have a horizontal height difference. The horizontal height difference and the current diffusion layer thickness have a ratio of 20:100 to 70:100.
US08541786B2
The invention relates to semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing. In certain embodiments, a semiconductor device can include: a) a contact pad with pre-shaped sidewalls; b) a semiconductor chip having a terminal that is electrically connected to the contact pad, and c) a protective compound covering the semiconductor chip and at least part of the sidewalls. The sidewall can be rough or the sidewall can be tapered to facilitate locking of the contact pad into the compound.
US08541779B1
A pixel structure of an organic electroluminescence apparatus includes at least an active device connected to a scan line and a data line, a first electrode, a dielectric material layer, a first isolating layer, a second isolating layer, an organic light-emitting material layer and a second electrode. The dielectric material layer is disposed on the first electrode and has a first opening to expose the first electrode. The first isolating layer disposed on the dielectric material layer includes an oxide semiconductor material and has a second opening to expose the first electrode. The second isolating layer is disposed on the first isolating layer and has a third opening to expose the first electrode in the first opening and the first isolating layer in a sidewall of the second opening. The organic light-emitting material layer is in the third opening. The second electrode is on the organic light-emitting layer.
US08541771B2
Example embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device may include a pre-seeding layer and a nucleation layer. The pre-seeding layer may include a first material for pre-seeding and a second material for masking so as to reduce tensile stress.
US08541770B2
Select devices including an open volume that functions as a high bandgap material having a low dielectric constant are disclosed. The open volume may provide a more nonlinear, asymmetric I-V curve and enhanced rectifying behavior in the select devices. The select devices may comprise, for example, a metal-insulator-insulator-metal (MIIM) diode. Various methods may be used to form select devices and memory systems including such select devices. Memory devices and electronic systems include such select devices.
US08541768B2
A technique used for a semiconductor device formed by stacking multiple structural bodies each having a semiconductor device, for preventing generation of thermal load on a structural body at a lower layer which is caused by a laser used in a step of forming a structural body at an upper layer. In a phase-change memory including multiple stacked memory matrices, a metal film is disposed between a memory matrix at a lower layer and a memory matrix at an upper layer formed over the memory matrix at the lower layer, in which the laser used for forming the memory matrix is reflected at the metal film and prevented from transmitting the metal film, thereby preventing the phase-change material layer, etc. in the memory matrix at the lower layer from being directly heated excessively by the laser.
US08541759B2
The inventive optical analysis technique uses an optical system capable of detecting light from a micro region in a solution, such as an optical system of a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope, to detect the light from the light-emitting particle to be observed while moving the position of the micro region in the sample solution (while scanning the inside of the sample solution with the micro region); generates time series light intensity data, computes a characteristic value of the light intensity indicating the presence or absence of the light from a single light-emitting particle in every time section of a predetermined width in the light intensity data; and detects the light-emitting particle crossing the inside of the micro region individually using the characteristic value, thereby enabling the counting of the light-emitting particle(s) or the acquisition of the information on the concentration or number density of the light-emitting particle.
US08541746B2
Process and system for the nondestructive quality determination of a weld seam, and a welding device
A process for the non-destructive determination of the quality of a weld seam, the process steps comprising: providing a first and a second component; connecting the first and second components by a weld seam produced by a welding operation; and measuring a surface temperature of the weld seam and surface temperatures of areas of the first and second components adjacent to the weld seam that were heated by the welding operation. A system for carrying out the process for the non-destructive determination of the quality of a weld seam, the system comprising: a measuring device, an analyzing unit, and a welding device.
US08541742B2
The bolometer-type THz wave detector according to the present invention has a thermal isolation structure in which a temperature detecting portion including a bolometer thin film connected to electrical wirings is supported in a state of being raised from the substrate by a supporting portion including the electrical wirings connected to a Read-out integrated circuit formed in a substrate, and the detector comprises a reflective film formed on the substrate, an absorbing film formed on the front surface or back surface or at an inner position in the temperature detecting portion , whereby an optical resonant structure is formed by the reflective film and the absorbing film, and a dielectric film formed on the reflective film. The dielectric film thickness f is set so that air gap between an upper surface of the dielectric film and a lower surface of the temperature detecting portion is smaller than 8 μm.
US08541738B2
A surface analyzer 1 includes: a sample stage 6 for placing a sample 5; a source for generating multicharged ions 3 for irradiating a beam 4 of multicharged ions having a valence of 15 or higher to the sample 5 placed on the sample stage 6; a mass analyzer 8 for detecting secondary ions 7 generated as a result of irradiating the beam of multicharged ions 4 to the sample 5; a secondary electron detector 10 for detecting secondary electrons 9 generated as a result of irradiating the beam of multicharged ions 4 to the sample 5; and a controller of mass analyzer 12 for generating analysis start signals in response to the secondary electron signals received, and transmitting the start signals to the mass analyzer. The surface analyzer 1 enables high-quality analysis of the surface of the sample in short time by using the multicharged ions.
US08541733B2
The invention provides a laser light detection circuit that prevents a peak output occurring when the circuit switches between the operation stop mode and the operation mode so as to prevent the breakdown or malfunction of the next-connected circuit. A laser light detection circuit has a differential amplifier that amplifies and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of laser light, a drive transistor having a base to which the output of the differential amplifier is applied, a second constant-current source connected to the emitter of the drive transistor, an output transistor having a base connected to the emitter of the drive transistor, a bypass transistor connected between the emitter of the drive transistor and the ground, and a control circuit. The control circuit forms a bypass current route from the second constant-current source to the ground through the bypass transistor by turning on the bypass transistor when the circuit switches from the operation stop mode to the operation mode.
US08541732B2
The invention relates to an optical module having a semiconductor element (4) with a surface that is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation and with an objective lens (1) for the projection of electromagnetic radiation onto the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element (4), in particular for the use thereof in motor vehicles. An additional optical element (11) is arranged in a defined partial volume in the space between the objective lens (1) and the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element (4) so that, by the additional optical element (11), a first distance range (8) is imaged in a first region of the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element (4) and a second distance range (9) is imaged in a second region of the visual range where the additional optical element (11) is not located.
US08541731B2
A pixel output line is provided for each of the pixels two-dimensionally arrayed in a pixel area. The pixel output lines are extended to a memory area, and a memory unit is connected to each of those lines. The memory unit includes a writing-side transistor, a reading-side transistor and a plurality of memory sections for holding signals for 104 image frames. A photocharge storage operation is simultaneously performed at all the pixels, and the thereby produced signals are outputted to the pixel output lines. In the memory unit, with the writing-side transistor in the ON state, the sampling transistor of a different memory section is sequentially turned on for each exposure cycle so as to sequentially hold a signal in the capacitor of each memory section. After a burst imaging operation is completed, all the pixel signals are sequentially read. Unlike CCDs, the present device does not simultaneously drive all gate loads, so that it can be driven at high speeds with low power consumption. Thus, the burst imaging can be performed at higher speeds than ever before.
US08541724B2
A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target.
US08541705B2
An electronic communications device such as a key fob is provided, and in some embodiments comprises a flexible film and a spacer layer defining at least one aperture. The flexible film can cover at least a portion of the spacer layer, and defines an exterior surface of the key fob. The flexible film includes at least one contact surface and a surface adjacent to the at least one contact surface. The at least one contact surface flexes when a force is applied in order to actuate at least one switch.
US08541703B2
The various embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic vibrational electrical switch device that includes a shell, a first sphere, a transient sphere and a pressure switch. The pressing operation of the transient sphere towards an upward direction results in placing the first sphere load over pressure switch to keep the electric switch in a normal mode and when any vibration occurs in a normal mode the first sphere load is released and the electric switch is automatically operated in a quake mode.
US08541690B2
A method for fixing an electronic component on a printed circuit board, and contact-connecting the electronic component to the printed circuit board, the following steps are provided:—providing the printed circuit board having a plurality of contact and connection pads,—providing the electronic component having a number of contact and connection locations corresponding to the plurality of contact and connection pads, with a mutual spacing reduced in comparison with the spacing of the contact and connection pads, and—arranging or forming at least one interlayer for routing the contact and connection locations of the electronic component between the contact and connection pads and the contact and connection locations of the electronic component. A method for producing an interlayer for routing and a system having a printed circuit board and an electronic component using the interlayer for routing are also provided.
US08541689B2
The invention relates to a method for removing a part of a substantially planar material layer (2) which is connected to at least one further, substantially planar material layer (9) in a connecting step. According to the invention, a zone where the material layers (2, 9) are not directly interconnected is provided in the zone where the part (11) is later on removed, said first zone being provided by applying a material (8) that prevents the material layers to be interconnected from sticking to each other. The invention also relates to a multilayer structure and to the use of the method and to a multilayer structure especially for producing a multilayer printed circuit board.
US08541683B2
An armoured cable termination system and method of assembly is provided that clamps the armour wires of the cable over and around the back of a conical inner armour clamp member. The wires are also retained between the inner clamp member and an outer body and a securing end plate. The armour wires are splayed by the inner clamp member, which is forced onto the cable to displace the armour wires. The forcing mechanism is used to support an armour wire former that bends the armour wires around the back of the inner clamp member. The top clamp is then forced onto the termination assembly, such that the armour wires adopt a smooth curve around the back of the inner clamp and are securely clamped along their length. The assembly may then be mounted to a flexible pulling head for pulling it into contact with a structure.
US08541673B2
A piano hammer stopper system includes a stopper rail set comprising at least first and second stopper rail members, each movable between respective first positions allowing unobstructed movement of associated piano hammers and respective second positions stopping at least one associated piano hammer from striking any corresponding string. At least one drive shaft is rotatably coupled to one or both of the stopper rail members. A drive arm is attached to the drive shaft and engages a drive fulcrum. A travel guide directs movement of the first and second stopper rail members between respective first and second positions. Rotation of the drive shaft rotates the drive arm to engage the drive fulcrum for moving one or both of the first and second stopper rail members between respective first and second positions.
US08541670B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the activity of an enzyme, for example, Protein Kinase B, p70S6K and/or Abl using the catalytic subunit of Protein Kinase A (PKAc), or at least one PKAc fragment or variant PKAc fragment thereof. In this regard, methods for preventing or treating cancer or a neurodegenerative disease or disorder are also provided.
US08541666B1
A novel maize variety designated X13B552W and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X13B552W with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13B552W through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13B552W, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13B552W. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13B552W.
US08541662B1
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CL0911428 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CL0911428 and its progeny, and methods of making CL0911428.
US08541659B2
A soybean cultivar designated 2472221658 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 2472221658, to the plants of soybean 2472221658, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 2472221658, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 2472221658 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 2472221658, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 2472221658, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 2472221658 with another soybean cultivar.
US08541658B2
The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated CL121460H. Also included are seeds of canola CL121460H, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola CL121460H and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola CL121460H with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola CL121460H.
US08541646B2
A mouse with a humanization of the mIL-3 gene and the mGM-CSF gene, a knockout of a mRAG gene, and a knockout of a mIl2rg subunit gene; and optionally a humanization of the TPO gene is described. A RAG/Il2rg KO/hTPO knock-in mouse is described. A mouse engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that maintains a human immune cell (HIC) population derived from the HSCs and that is infectable by a human pathogen, e.g., S. typhi or M. tuberculosis is described. A mouse that models a human pathogen infection that is poorly modeled in mice is described, e.g., a mouse that models a human mycobacterial infection, wherein the mouse develops one or more granulomas comprising human immune cells. A mouse that comprises a human hematopoietic malignancy that originates from an early human hematopoietic cells is described, e.g., a myeloid leukemia or a myeloproliferative neoplasia.
US08541645B2
Provided herein are non-human animal models and related methods useful for the identification, characterization, and analysis of the effects of environmental stimuli on the development and progression of pathological conditions. The environmental stimuli can include, but are not limited to, exposure to tobacco (e.g., cigarette, etc.) smoke. Exemplary pathological conditions include, but are not limited to, atherosclerosis, other cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the like. Also provided herein are non-human animal models and related methods useful for the identification, characterization, and analysis of pharmaceutical compounds, compositions, and/or formulations that can be used to prevent or treat a given pathological condition brought on by exposure to a given environmental condition.
US08541644B2
A method of producing an absorbent body for an absorbent article having an absorbent body disposed generally centrally of the article and adapted for absorbing liquid body waste released by the wearer includes passing a first cut-out from a first web material through a nip, passing a second web material through the nip whereby the cut-out from the first web material overlays the second web material as the cut-out and the second web material pass through the nip, and performing one of the following as the cut-out from the first web material and the second material together pass through the nip: forming a fold line in the second web material at the peripheral edge of the cut-out of the first web material and forming a second cut-out from the second web material having substantially the same shape as the first cut-out from the first web material.
US08541642B2
A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface.
US08541636B2
The invention relates to a method for the catalytic hydrotreatment of a load based on a diesel fuel oil and a biological load based on plant oils and/or animal fats in a hydrotreatment unit. The invention is characterized in that the hydrotreatment unit comprises at least one hydrotreatment reactor operating on a countercurrent. The invention also relates to a hydrotreatment unit for implementing said method, and a corresponding hydrorefining unit.
US08541628B2
Cationic lipids having a derivatized quaternary ammonium head group that provide improved cell targeting ability and enhanced transfective efficacy for introducing molecules into cells are provided.
US08541626B2
Ketones may be produced in high yields from glycerides of short chain fatty acids by reaction with a carboxylic acid. The reaction is conducted in the presence of a catalyst and under conditions effective for ketonization of decanoate with the carboxylic acid to produce free ketones. Reaction of a glyceride comprising at least one ester of decanoic acid with a carboxylic acid selected from acetic acid and/or propionic acid produces 2-undecanone and/or 3-dodecanone, respectively. Catalysts of the formula FemCenAlpOx, wherein m is between about 0.2 to about 0.6, n is about 0.2, p is between about 0.6 to about 0.2, and x is greater than 0, produce significantly higher yields of the ketones than other known metal oxides.
US08541623B2
A method and apparatus for increasing the concentration of oxygen in the reaction medium present in the oxidation reactor. A volume of aqueous medium from the oxidation reactor is removed and pressurized and oxygen is added to it. The oxygen-rich volume of aqueous medium is then reintroduced into the oxidation reactor at an increased pressure to ensure adequate mixing with the aqueous medium having a lower content of oxygen.
US08541620B2
The present invention relates to a method for selectively crystallizing Z isomer of iopromide of formula (I) comprising a) dissolving a crude iopromide comprising a mixture of E and Z isomers or a concentrate thereof in an alcohol, and b) heating the resulting alcohol solution to obtain crystalline of Z isomer of iopromide; and a method for preparing a composition comprising the crystalline Z isomer of iopromide.
US08541619B2
A method and apparatus is provided for cleaning flue gases from combustion plants. The method includes removing dust and removing nitrogen from flue gases, bringing flue gases into contact with an aqueous ammonia solution in the presence of an oxidizing agent whereby a reaction solution forms which contains at least ammonium carbonate, heating the reaction solution such that ammonium carbonate decomposes and carbon dioxide and ammonia transfer into the gas atmosphere, and reacting the gaseous carbon dioxide and the gaseous ammonia to form urea. The apparatus includes a device for removing nitrogen and removing dust from the flue gases, a washing device downstream of the device for removing nitrogen and removing dust, a stripper downstream of the washing device, and a urea installation downstream of the stripper.
US08541613B2
There is provided a process for producing an amide compound having an excellent harmful arthropod-controlling activity and represented by the formula (3): wherein R1, R2 and R3 independently represent a C1-C6 alkyl group optionally substituted with at least one halogen atom etc., R4, R5, R6 and R7 independently represent a halogen atom etc.
US08541611B2
A process for preparing phenyl iso(thio)cyanates of the formula I in which a compound of the formula II or its HCl adduct is reacted with a phosgenating agent where W is oxygen or sulfur and Ar and A are as defined in claim 1 is described. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of the phenyl iso(thio)cyanates for preparing crop protection agents.
US08541605B2
The present disclosure provides processes for the preparation of lipid conjugated cyclic carbonate derivatives. More specifically, the present disclosure is based on the finding that reacting lipids, such as, ceramides, with N,N′-disuccinimidyl derivative, resulted in the formation of, isolatable, substituted cyclic [1,3]-dioxan-2-one and [1,3]-dioxan-2-thione compounds. These isolatable cyclic substituted compounds and derivatives thereof may be used for various applications, such as in vaccination.
US08541602B2
A compound is represented by the following formula: In the formula (1), X is a chalcogen atom. Z is carbon or an aromatic ring structure having at least one sulfur, at least one oxygen, or at least one nitrogen in an aromatic ring to which a substituent is attached. n is an integer of 1 to 3. R1 and R2 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a straight, branched, or cyclic alkyl group, a straight, branched, or cyclic alkoxy group, and a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group.
US08541601B2
The present invention relates to piperazine dithioctate, a novel addition salt of thioctic acid with a base and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. The piperazine dithioctate according to the present invention has good thermal and moisture stability and high water-solubility as well as dosage increase lower than other addition salts, thereby being effectively used for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for antioxidation or for preventing or treating diabetic polyneuropathy, etc.
US08541596B2
Novel heterocyclic derivatives as inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5). QC catalyzes the intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamine residues into pyroglutamic acid (5-oxo-prolyl, pGlu*) under liberation of ammonia and the intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamate residues into pyroglutamic acid under liberation of water.
US08541594B2
Bicyclic dione compounds, and derivatives thereof, which are suitable for use as herbicides. formula (I)
US08541591B2
Provided are a nanoparticle/dispersant complex having excellent dispersibility and long-term stability in a dispersion medium, a production method therefor, and a nanoparticle dispersion liquid and a nanoparticle/matrix-material complex which are colorless and transparent even at high concentrations. In the nanoparticle/dispersant complex, a nanoparticle is covered with a dispersant containing a heterocyclic cationic group and one of an oxo acid group containing a sulfur atom or a phosphorus atom and an anion moiety of the oxo acid group; in the nanoparticle dispersion liquid, the nanoparticle/dispersant complex is dispersed into a dispersion medium; in the nanoparticle/matrix-material complex, the nanoparticle/dispersant complex is dispersed into a matrix material; and the production method for a nanoparticle/dispersant complex comprises forming, under a presence of the dispersant, a nanoparticle covered with the dispersant from a nanoparticle precursor.
US08541581B2
Provided herein are compounds of formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or prodrugs thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein Z1, Z2, X1, X2, X3, R1, R2, R3, R4, m and n are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutically acceptable compositions that include a compound of formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Also provided are methods for treating an FAAH-mediated disorder comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or composition of the present invention.
US08541580B2
Improved process for the preparation of 3-fluoro-2-pyridylmethyl-3-(2,2-difluoro-2-(2-pyridyl)ethylamino)-6-chloropyrazin-2-one-1-acetamide of formula (I) and its intermediates is provided.
US08541576B2
The present invention relates to substituted pyrazolo[4,3-h]quinazoline compounds which modulate the activity of protein kinases and are therefore useful in treating diseases caused by dysregulated protein kinase activity, in particular PIM kinases. The present invention also provides methods for preparing these compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of treating diseases utilizing such these compounds or the pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US08541575B2
3,4-diarylpyrazole derivatives of formula (I) as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are disclosed; the compounds of the invention may be useful, in therapy, in the treatment of diseases associated with a disregulated protein kinase activity, like cancer.
US08541574B2
According to the present invention, a wider variation of organometallic complexes that can emit phosphorescence can be provided by applying, as a ligand, an organic compound from which a variety of derivatives can be easily synthesized. In particular, an organometallic complex having a sharp emission spectrum is provided. Further, an organometallic complex having high emission efficiency is provided. An organometallic complex represented by the general formula (G1) is provided. In the formula, Ar represents an aryl group, R represents an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R1 and R2 individually represent either hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
US08541573B2
Substituted sulfonamide compounds corresponding to the formula I processes for the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and the use of substituted sulfonamide compounds for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for treating pain and other conditions at least partly mediated via the bradykinin 1 receptor.
US08541572B2
This invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I): (Chemical formula should be inserted here as it appears on abstract in paper form) (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or isomer thereof, which can be useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs, ADAMs, TACE, aggrecanase, TNF—or combinations thereof.
US08541570B2
The present invention relates to methods for the labeling of nucleic acid polymers in vitro and in vivo. Certain methods are provided that include a [3+2] cycloaddition between a nucleotide analogue incorporated into a nucleic acid polymer and a reagent attached to a label. Other methods are provided that include a Staudinger ligation between a nucleotide analogue incorporated into a nucleic acid polymer and a reagent comprising a substituted triarylphosphine attached to a label. Such methods do not require fixation and denaturation and therefore can be applied to the labeling of nucleic acid polymers in living cells and in organisms. Also provided are methods for measuring cellular proliferation. In these methods, the amount of label incorporated into the DNA is measured as an indication of cellular proliferation. The methods of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications including clinical diagnosis of diseases and disorders in which cellular proliferation is involved, toxicity assays, and as a tool for the study of chromosomes' ultrastructures.
US08541568B2
The present invention provides small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules, compositions containing the molecules, and methods of using the compositions to treat gliomas.
US08541565B2
A protein comprising (I) an anti-CD14 antibody or its active fragment, or a derivative thereof and (II) an inhibitor for a protease, or its active fragment, or a derivative thereof is provided.
US08541563B2
The present invention relates to cell wall degradative systems, in particular to systems containing enzymes that bind to and/or depolymerize cellulose. These systems have a number of applications.
US08541559B2
The invention provides processes for the producing compositions comprising (i) a virus-like particle, wherein said virus-like particle is a virus-like particle of an RNA bacteriophage, and (ii) an oligonucleotide, wherein said oligonucleotide is packaged into said virus-like particle. The invention further provides processes for producing nucleotide compositions comprising oligonucleotides suitable to be used in the processes mentioned before. The invention further provides nucleotide compositions obtainable by the processes of the invention and uses thereof. The invention further provides compositions comprising (i) a virus-like particle, wherein said virus-like particle is a virus-like particle of an RNA bacteriophage, and (ii) an oligonucleotide, wherein said oligonucleotide is packaged into said virus-like particle, wherein said compositions are obtainable by the processes of the invention and wherein said compositions preferably comprises a purity of at least 98%, most preferably of at least 99%.
US08541558B2
A fluorescent sensor and methods for producing and using the fluorescent sensor. Such fluorescent sensors have broad applicability in characterizing cells and organisms, in detecting or measuring various cellular parameters, and in detecting or measuring protein-protein/peptide interactions.
US08541557B2
An azo compound having the following formula (I): A(E)n (I) wherein A represents a residue of an azo compound, bonded with n pieces of E group through one or more heteroatom being N or O and forming a part of the residue A; E independently represents a hydrogen atom or —C(═O)—O—R1 wherein R1 represents a substituted or an unsubstituted alkyl group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a cycloalkenyl group or an aralkyl group; and n represents an integer of from 1 to 10.
US08541549B2
The present invention describes an annexin derivative and a method of using the annexin derivative as a biosensor for real-time visualization of phosphatidylserine exposure, apoptosis, live-cell imaging and monitoring of cell health.
US08541543B2
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Novel treatment strategies derived from increased knowledge of molecular oncology are constantly being developed to cure this disease. Here, we used phage display to identify novel peptides, including (SP94), which binds specifically to HCC cells. In vitro, the phage clone PC94 binds to HCC cell lines. In vivo, PC94 homed specifically to tumor tissues but not to normal visceral organs in SCID mice bearing human HCC xenografts. The homing ability could be competitively inhibited by synthetic peptide, SP94. PC94 localized to tumor tissues but could not be detected in SP94-competed tumor tissues or in normal organs. In addition, PC94 recognized the tumor tissue but not non-tumor tissue in surgical specimens from HCC patients, with a positive rate of 61.3% (19/31). With the conjugation of SP94 and liposomal doxorubicin, a targeted drug delivery system enhanced the therapeutic efficacy against HCC xenografts through enhanced tumor apoptosis and decreased tumor angiogenesis. Our results indicate that SP94 can improve the systemic treatment of patients with advanced HCC.
US08541540B2
A continuous process is disclosed for the extraction of monomeric caprolactam and its oligomers as the raw polymer product obtained in the polymerization of polyamide-6 in which no fresh water, but processing water or previously used extraction water is used for the granulation.
US08541537B2
This invention provides a branched polycarbonate resin obtained from a dihydric phenol compound, a branching agent, monohydric phenols and phosgene by an interfacial polymerization reaction method in the presence of an alkali aqueous solution and an organic solvent, the branched polycarbonate resin having features that: (i) the branching agent content (X) thereof is over 0.70 mol % but 1.50 mol % or less, (ii) the branching agent content (X) and the melt tension (Y) thereof at 280° C. satisfy the following expression (1), 3.8X−2.4≦Y≦3.8X+4.5 (1), and (iii) the entire N content in the branched polycarbonate resin is 0 to 7 ppm.
US08541534B2
A resin composition for laser engraving, including: a compound (A) having at least one of a hydrolyzable silyl group or a silanol group; and a binder polymer (B) having a functional group capable of forming a crosslinked structure by reacting with at least one of a hydrolyzable silyl group or a silanol group.
US08541530B2
A method of manufacturing artificial snow including the steps; a) feeding a bulk material into a first apparatus; b) reducing the particle size of the bulk material in the first apparatus to produce a product; c) sieving the product produced at step b); and d) collecting the product produced at step c) for use as artificial snow.
US08541525B2
Polymers comprising structural units derived from compounds of formula I may be used in optoelectronic devices wherein R1 is independently at each occurrence a C1-C20 aliphatic radical, a C3-C20 aromatic radical, or a C3-C20 cycloaliphatic radical; and a is independently at each occurrence 0, or an integer ranging from 1 to 4.
US08541522B2
This invention relates to Group 4 catalyst compounds containing di-anionic tridentate nitrogen/oxygen based ligands. The catalyst compounds are useful, with or without activators, to polymerize olefins, particularly α-olefins, or other unsaturated monomers. Systems and processes to oligomerize and/or polymerize one or more unsaturated monomers using the catalyst compound, as well as the oligomers and/or polymers produced therefrom are also provided.
US08541519B2
An ethylenic polymer comprising amyl groups from about 0.1 to about 2.0 units per 1000 carbon atoms as determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and both a peak melting temperature, Tm, in ° C., and a heat of fusion, Hf, in J/g, as determined by DSC Crystallinity, where the numerical values of Tm and Hf correspond to the relationship Tm≧(0.2143*Hf)+79.643. An ethylenic polymer comprising at least one preparative TREF fraction that elutes at 95° C. or greater using a Preparative Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation method, where at least one preparative TREF fraction that elutes at 95° C. or greater has a gpcBR value greater than 0.05 and less than 5 as determined by gpcBR Branching Index by 3D-GPC, and where at least 5% of the ethylenic polymer elutes at a temperature of 95° C. or greater based upon the total weight of the ethylenic polymer.
US08541517B2
Stable, high performance polymer compositions including polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a melamine-formaldehyde polymer, such as methylated, poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde), for forming structures such as films, fibers and bulky structures. The polymer compositions may be formed by combining polybenzimidazole with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form a precursor. The polybenzimidazole may be reacted and/or intertwined with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form the polymer composition. For example, a stable, free-standing film having a thickness of, for example, between about 5 μm and about 30 μm may be formed from the polymer composition. Such films may be used as gas separation membranes and may be submerged into water for extended periods without crazing and cracking. The polymer composition may also be used as a coating on substrates, such as metal and ceramics, or may be used for spinning fibers. Precursors for forming such polymer compositions are also disclosed.
US08541515B1
This invention relates to a composition and method of modifying the surface properties of polymers to produce a film or article with improved surface properties by utilizing an organo-modified polyslioxane additive. The improved surface properties for the polymer include a reduced coefficient of friction, which assists the slip and anti-blocking properties of the material, as well aiding in processing of the polymeric material. Additionally, the additive composition of this invention improves demolding and release of the polymer material from other polymeric surfaces or adhesives as well as metal molding surfaces, and allows the entire film or article formed of the polyolefin and additive to be recycled.
US08541513B2
Disclosed are terminal-modified difunctional sulfur-containing polymers that are the reaction products of a sulfur-containing diol, an aldehyde or a ketone, and a compound containing a functional group. Compositions comprising the terminal-modified difunctional sulfur-containing polymers useful as sealants are also disclosed.
US08541483B2
The present invention relates to a silicone (meth)acrylamide monomer, and this silicone (meth)acrylamide monomer is particularly suitable for use in contact lenses, intraocular lenses, artificial cornea, and the like.
US08541476B2
The present invention comprises compounds, compositions and methods of use for sensitizing cancer cells, tumors, neoplasms, and malignancies to the effects of ionizing radiation used in the treatment of cancer. The invention further comprises a method of identifying novel radiosensitizing compounds.
US08541473B2
A 3-aminooxalylaminobenzamide compound is used as an insecticide or miticide. The 3-aminooxalylaminobenzamide compound is represented by formula [1]: in which, for instance, R1 and R2 each represent a C1 to C3 alkoxy group or a C1 to C3 haloalkoxy group; R3 and R4 each represent a C1 to C8 alkyl group or a C1 to C8 haloalkyl group; R5 represents a C1 to C5 haloalkyl group; R6 and R7 each represent a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group; Y represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom; Z represents a hydrogen atom; n is an integer ranging from 0 to 4; and m is an integer ranging from 0 to 2.
US08541472B2
Antiseptic compositions comprising at least one salt of EDTA are disclosed. These compositions have broad spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal activity and they also have anticoagulant properties. The antiseptic compositions have also demonstrated activity in penetrating and breaking down microbial slime, or biofilms. They are safe for human and medical uses and may be used as prophylactic preparations to prevent infection, or to reduce the proliferation of and/or eliminate existing or established infections.
US08541468B2
There are provided an ophthalmic composition that comprises 3-hydroxybutyric acid and/or salts thereof as active ingredients and is used to prevent desiccation of eyes and an ophthalmic composition that is used to treat tear dysfunction. By use of the ophthalmic compositions of the present invention, desiccation of the eyes can be inhibited and tear dysfunction can be treated. Therefore, by use of the compositions, discomforts caused by tear dysfunction, such as desiccation of the eyes, foreign-body sensation, feeling of discomfort on the eyes and eye strain, can be improved. Further, the ophthalmic compositions of the present invention can inhibit diseases caused by tear dysfunction, exemplified by development of dry eye and suspected dry eye which are dysfunctions related to desiccation of the eyes, particularly, development of diseases caused by tear dysfunction without injuries on the keratoconjunctive.
US08541467B2
The present invention refers to the use of the compound of Formula (I′) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, isomer, or prodrug thereof for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of hematological dyscrasias, including myelodisplastic syndromes (MDSs) and for improving the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or cancer immunotherapy. In addition, it relates to the use of a compound of formula (I″) for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cancer of an organ.
US08541463B2
Compositions comprising ketorolac tromethamine at a therapeutically effective concentration of less than 0.5% are disclosed herein. Methods of treating or preventing ocular pain using said compositions are also disclosed herein.
US08541462B2
The present invention provides novel tetrahydrocarbazole compounds according to formula (I) as ligands of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) which are useful in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of physiological and/or pathological conditions in mammals mediated by GPCR or of physiological and/or pathological conditions which can be treated by modulation of these receptors.
US08541456B2
The application relates to specific combinations of Roflumilast and/or Roflumilast N-Oxide and a PPAR-agonist, as well as their use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2.
US08541445B2
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the inventions.
US08541441B2
The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) for selectively inhibiting glycosidases, prodrugs of the compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds or prodrugs of the compounds. The invention also provides methods of treating diseases and disorders related to deficiency or overexpression of O-GlcNAcase, accumulation or deficiency of O-GlcNAc.
US08541440B2
The invention relates to compounds having general formula (I), wherein R is as defined herein. The invention also relates to acid addition salt, a hydrate or a solvate of compounds of formula (I). The invention further relates to the method of preparing said compounds and to the use of same in therapeutics.
US08541435B2
The present invention discloses (1) phenolic ester hybrids of niacin with m-methoxy-p-hydroxy phenyl compounds like eugenol, vanillin, apocynin, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid and eugenol epoxide and (2) cocrystals of hybrids as above, particularly cocrystal of niacin-eugenol hybrid with cocrystal former like eugenol and oxalic acid (3) novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of niacin and one or more small molecule/potentiating agent like eugenol, curcumin, cinnamic acid, meclofenamic acid, and their use in the treatment of a disorder or a disease caused by excess production of amyloid beta peptide-42 (Aβ42), its deposition, accumulation, and plaque formation including Alzheimer's Disease, dementia and mild cognitive impairment as well as other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease and ischemic stroke.
US08541433B2
The invention relates to the combination of an endothelin receptor antagonist of formula (I) with paclitaxel, and in particular to this combination for therapeutic use, simultaneously, separately or over a period of time, in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
US08541430B2
The present invention relates to novel compounds, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and their isomers, stereoisomers, conformers, tautomers, polymorphs, hydrates and solvates. The present invention also encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of said compounds and process for preparing novel compounds. The invention further relates to the use of the above-mentioned compounds for the preparation of medicament for use as pharmaceuticals.
US08541424B2
Compounds effective in inhibiting replication of Hepatitis C virus (“HCV”) are described. This invention also relates to processes of making such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds to treat HCV infection.
US08541417B2
Compounds of the following formula are provided for use with PARP: wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds, methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds, and methods of using the compounds.
US08541415B2
Drug candidates for inhibition of HIV-I replication can target Src family kinases (SFK), such as Hck, that interact with Nef protein of the virus. Compounds characterized by such inhibitory activity were identified via an assay for kinase activity of an SFK in a Nef:SFK complex. Illustrative of inhibitors identified using the kinase assay are various 2,3-diaminoquinaxolines and furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines. The inventive inhibitors were found to arrest HIV-I viral replication in vitro.
US08541414B2
A pyridazinone compound represented by the formula (I) has excellent effect on weed control and is useful as an active ingredient of herbicides.
US08541409B2
There is provided a novel carbamoyloxy arylalkanoyl arylpiperazine derivative compound having abundant racemic or enantiomeric characteristics, represented by the Formula 1, and pharmaceutically available salts or hydrates thereof. Also, there are provided a pharmaceutical composition for treating pain, anxiety or depression including an effective amount of the compound, and a method for treating pain, anxiety or depression in mammals by administering an effective amount of the compound to the mammals in need of treatment thereof.
US08541402B2
Compounds of formula I: wherein X, R2, R3, R3a, R3b, R5 and R6 are defined herein, are useful as inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase.
US08541401B2
Compositions are provided which contain immobilized flavorants for flavor delivery. In particular, smoking compositions are provided which contain flavorant ester salts of polycarboxylic acids.
US08541396B2
The invention is directed to a method of administering hydrogen sulfide (H2S) slowly and sustainably to an individual in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of a compound represented by the following structural formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08541394B2
This invention relates to novel aminoglycoside antibiotics, which have potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria, which induce infectious diseases, particularly MRSA, and has no significant nephrotoxicity, and process for producing them. More particularly, the present invention relates to compounds represented by formula (Ia) or their pharmacologically acceptable salts or solvates, or their diastereomer mixtures, antimicrobial agents comprising them, and a process for producing them.
US08541387B2
Disclosed herein are compounds and methods for decreasing SMRT and treating metabolic and/or cardiovascular diseases in an individual in need thereof. Examples of disease conditions that can be ameliorated with the administration of antisense compounds targeted to SMRT include obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypothyroidism.
US08541384B2
RNA interference using small interfering RNAs which are specific for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and the VEGF receptor genes Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR inhibit expression of these genes. Diseases which involve antiogenesis stimulated by overexpression of VEGF, such as diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration and many types of cancer, can be treated by administering the small interfering RNAs.
US08541383B2
Synergistic anti-adipogenic and pro-lipolytic compositions for the prevention and amelioration of adipogenesis and lipolysis mediated diseases, comprising at least two extracts selected from enriched demethylated curcuminoids obtained from Curcuma longa, Moringa oleifera and Murraya koenigii. The anti-adipogenic and pro-lipolytic compositions optionally contain one or more anti-obesic agents. These compositions are useful for preventing anti-inflammatory and free radical mediated diseases.
US08541381B2
This invention describes a process for producing a fraction enriched with jujubogenin and psudojujubogenin lycosides from Bacopa species, wherein the total Bacopa saponin concentration is up to 100% when estimated by HPLC method of analysis. The present invention also describes the processes for the enrichment of new compositions and individual saponin compounds from Bacopa monnieri to more than 95% purity. It further describes an analytical HPLC method for the estimation of total Bacopa saponin fraction and its use in therapeutic applications. This invention also includes two Bacopa saponin 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] jujubogenin and 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] pseudojujubogenin herein referred to as bacopaside N1 of general formula (1) and bacopaside N2 of general formula (2) respectively.
US08541380B2
A novel C-aryl glucoside compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof having an inhibitory activity against sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) being present in the intestine and kidney; and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same as an active ingredient, which is useful for preventing or treating metabolic disorders, particularly, diabetes, are provided.
US08541363B2
The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds and more specifically to certain pyruvamide compounds of the formula (X) (for convenience, collectively referred to herein as “PVA compounds”), which, inter alia, inhibit a dust mite Group 1 peptidase allergen (e.g., Der p 1, Der f 1, Eur m 1). The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit a dust mite Group 1 peptidase allergen, and in the treatment of diseases and disorders that are mediated by a dust mite Group 1 peptidase allergen; that are ameliorated by the inhibition of a dust mite Group 1 peptidase allergen; asthma; rhinitis; allergic conjunctivitis; atopic dermatitis; an allergic condition which is triggered by dust mites; an allergic condition which is triggered by a dust mite Group 1 peptidase allergen; and canine atopy.
US08541353B2
A novel cleaner and polish formulation that is eco friendly, that is, it is formulated without alcohols, organic solvents and without normal cleaning and polishing components, for example, amine functional materials, that are undesirable with regard to the environment.
US08541350B2
The invention provides a lubricant composition for generating a combined passivate and lubricating coating on a metal substrate with which the composition is brought into contact. The lubricant composition comprises an organic polymer and/or a wax dispersion; phosphates, preferably acid phosphate salts, and/or phosphoric acid; and optionally, a surfactant, a thickening aid, an anti-wear additive, a defoaming agent; a corrosion inhibitor; and/or a linear or branched hydrocarbon.
US08541343B2
Compounds of the formula (I), wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, are useful as a pesticides.
US08541340B2
A thermal transfer sheet includes a thermal transfer dye layer containing a dye on one surface of a base material sheet and a heat-resistant lubricating layer on the other surface, wherein the heat-resistant lubricating layer contains a compound represented by Chemical formula 1 described below, (in the formula, n represents an integer of 15 or more).
US08541337B2
A quaternary oxide includes a dopant metal, a dopant nonmetal, titanium, and oxygen. The atomic ratio of titanium, oxygen and dopant nonmetal may be 1:0.5-1.99:0.01-1.5. Quaternary oxides may be used in catalytic compositions, in coatings for disinfecting surfaces and in coatings for self-cleaning surfaces. A method of making a quaternary oxide includes combining ingredients including a titanium source, a dopant nonmetal source, a dopant metal salt, and a polar organic solvent to form a reaction mixture; and heating the reaction mixture.
US08541329B2
The invention relates to compositions based on ZrO2, and single- and multi-coloured blanks made from oxide ceramics, and a process for their preparation, in which a) oxide ceramic powder is coated with a colouring substance, b) the coated powders are preferably graded and at least one coloured powder is filled into a compression mould, c) the coloured powder or powders are compressed to produce a shaped body, and d) the compressed shaped body is sintered to produce a blank, and to the use of these blanks for the preparation of dental restorations.
US08541328B2
A ceramic material according to the present invention mainly contains magnesium, aluminum, oxygen, and nitrogen, the ceramic material has the crystal phase of a MgO—AlN solid solution in which aluminum nitride is dissolved in magnesium oxide, the crystal phase serving as a main phase. Preferably, XRD peaks corresponding to the (200) and (220) planes of the MgO—AlN solid solution measured with CuKα radiation appear at 2θ=42.9 to 44.8° and 62.3 to 65.2°, respectively, the XRD peaks being located between peaks of cubic magnesium oxide and peaks of cubic aluminum nitride. More preferably, the XRD peak corresponding to the (111) plane appears at 2θ=36.9 to 39°, the XRD peak being located between a peak of cubic magnesium oxide and a peak of cubic aluminum nitride.
US08541326B2
The present invention relates to an optical member for deep ultraviolet having a wavelength of 250 nm or shorter, containing a synthetic silica glass which does not substantially contain a halogen element, has a maximum OH group content of less than 10 ppm by weight, has contents of ODC (oxygen deficient centers) and E-prime center of each less than 1×1014 cm−3, does not substantially contain SiH and peroxy linkage, and has a fictive temperature of 1,050° C. or lower.
US08541322B2
The present invention is directed to methods of functionalizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), particularly single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), with organosilane species, wherein such functionalization enables fabrication of advanced polymer composites. The present invention is also directed toward the functionalized CNTs, advanced CNT-polymer composites made with such functionalized CNTs, and methods of making such advanced CNT-polymer composites.
US08541320B2
The present invention relates to silylated amino resins, to processes for preparing them, to their use, and to coating compositions comprising them.
US08541312B2
A method of suppressing the etch rate for exposed silicon-and-nitrogen-containing material on patterned heterogeneous structures is described and includes a two stage remote plasma etch. The etch selectivity of silicon relative to silicon nitride and other silicon-and-nitrogen-containing material is increased using the method. The first stage of the remote plasma etch reacts plasma effluents with the patterned heterogeneous structures to form protective solid by-product on the silicon-and-nitrogen-containing material. The plasma effluents of the first stage are formed from a remote plasma of a combination of precursors, including nitrogen trifluoride and hydrogen (H2). The second stage of the remote plasma etch also reacts plasma effluents with the patterned heterogeneous structures to selectively remove material which lacks the protective solid by-product. The plasma effluents of the second stage are formed from a remote plasma of a fluorine-containing precursor.
US08541307B2
A treatment method for reducing particles in a Dual Damascene Silicon Nitride (DDSN) process, including the following steps: forming a seed layer of copper on a silicon wafer; depositing a deposition layer of copper to cover the seed layer of copper; planarizing the deposition layer of copper; providing the silicon wafer into a reaction chamber and performing a pre-treatment on a surface of the deposition layer of copper using NH3 gas under a plasma condition so as to reduce copper oxide (CuO) to copper (Cu) formed on the deposition layer of copper; in the reaction chamber, generating an etching block layer on the deposition layer of copper using a DDSN deposition process; cleaning the reaction chamber using NF3 gas; and directing N2O gas into the reaction chamber and removing the remaining hydrogen (H) and fluorine (F) in the reaction chamber using the N2O gas under the plasma condition.
US08541306B2
A semiconductor device and a method of forming patterns on a semiconductor device are disclosed. The semiconductor device may include high-density patterns with a minimum size that may be less the resolution limit of a photolithography process, and may have a substrate including a memory cell region and an adjacent connection region, a plurality of first conductive lines extending from the memory cell region to the connection region in a first direction, a plurality of second conductive lines connected from respective first conductive lines to a plurality of pads having a width equal to twice the width of each of the first conductive lines. The method may include two levels of spacer formation to provide sub resolution line widths and spaces as well as selected multiples of the minimum line widths and spaces.
US08541299B2
An electrical interconnect forming method. The electrical interconnect includes a first substrate comprising a first electrically conductive pad, a second substrate comprising a second electrically conductive pad, and an interconnect structure electrically and mechanically connecting the first electrically conductive pad to the second electrically conductive pad. The interconnect structure comprises a non-solder metallic core structure, a first solder structure, and a second solder structure. The first solder structure electrically and mechanically connects a first portion of the non-solder metallic core structure to the first electrically conductive pad. The second solder structure electrically and mechanically connects a second portion of the non-solder metallic core structure to the second electrically conductive pad.
US08541298B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device having a GaN-based semiconductor layer on a first surface of a substrate made of SiC, a pad being provided on the GaN-based layer, includes: forming a first via hole in the substrate by etching, with fluorine based gas, from a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface, the etching being carried out with the GaN-based layer being used as an etch stopper; and forming a second via hole in the GaN-based semiconductor layer, with chlorine based gas, from a bottom surface of the first via hole, the etching being carried out with the pad being used as an etching stopper, the chlorine based gas being an etchant different from the fluorine based gas.
US08541297B2
The present invention improves the performance of a semiconductor device wherein a metal silicide layer is formed through a salicide process. A metal silicide layer is formed over the surfaces of first and second gate electrodes, n+-type semiconductor regions, and p+-type semiconductor regions through a salicide process of a partial reaction type without the use of a salicide process of a whole reaction type. In a heat treatment for forming the metal silicide layer, by heat-treating a semiconductor wafer not with an annealing apparatus using lamps or lasers but with a thermal conductive annealing apparatus using carbon heaters, a thin metal silicide layer is formed with a small thermal budget and a high degree of accuracy and microcrystals of NiSi are formed in the metal silicide layer through a first heat treatment.
US08541292B2
There is provided a group III nitride semiconductor epitaxial substrate which has a suppressed level of threading dislocation in the vertical direction and excellent crystal quality, the group III nitride semiconductor epitaxial substrate including a substrate (1) for growing an epitaxial film; and an ELO layer (4) having a composition of AlxGa1-xN (0≦x≦1) formed either on top of the substrate (1) or on top of a group III nitride layer (2) formed on top of the substrate (1), wherein the ELO layer (4) is a layer formed by using a mask pattern (3), which is composed of carbon and is formed either on top of the substrate (1) or on top of the group III nitride layer (2).
US08541289B2
The present invention relates to a dicing die bonding film, which is able to maintain good workability and reliability in any semiconductor packaging process, such as adhesive property, gap filling property and pick-up property, while controlling burr incidence in a dicing process and thus contamination of die, and a dicing method. Specifically, the present invention is characterized by optimizing tensile characteristics of the dicing die bonding film, or carrying out the dicing on the parts of the die bonding film in the dicing process and separating it through an expanding process. Therefore, the present invention may regulate physical properties of films so as to have the maximized adhesive property, pick-up property and gap filling property without any specific restriction, while controlling burr incidence in the dicing process and contamination of die. As a result, workability and reliability in a packaging process may be excellently maintained.
US08541288B2
A manufacturing method for a TFT array substrate includes providing a substrate; defining a plurality of normal alignment regions and a plurality of abnormal alignment regions on the substrate; forming an insulating layer and a transparent conductive layer on the substrate; performing a patterning process to at least one of the insulating layer and the transparent conductive layer to form a plurality of alignment structures in each abnormal alignment region; forming an alignment material layer on the substrate, the alignment material layer having a plurality of first alignment slits formed along the alignment structures in each of the abnormal alignment regions; and performing a rubbing alignment process to form a plurality of second alignment slits on the alignment material layer in each of the normal alignment regions along a alignment direction.
US08541287B2
A wafer has a device area where a plurality of devices are formed, and a peripheral marginal area surrounding the device area. These devices are formed on the front side of the wafer so as to be partitioned by a plurality of division lines. A modified layer is formed by applying a laser beam along the division lines with the focal point of the laser beam set inside the wafer, thereby forming a modified layer as a division start point inside the wafer along each division line. The wafer is transported to a position where the next step is to be performed. In the modified layer forming step, the modified layer is not formed in the peripheral marginal area of the wafer to thereby form a reinforcing portion in the peripheral marginal area. Accordingly, breakage of the wafer from the modified layer in the transporting step can be prevented.
US08541283B2
A method for fabricating a DRAM capacitor stack is described wherein the dielectric material is a multi-layer stack formed from a highly-doped material combined with a lightly or non-doped material. The highly-doped material remains amorphous with a crystalline content of less than 30% after an annealing step. The lightly or non-doped material becomes crystalline with a crystalline content of equal to or greater than 30% after an annealing step. The dielectric multi-layer stack maintains a high k-value while minimizing the leakage current and the EOT value.
US08541277B2
A method of fabricating a non-volatile memory device is provided. The method includes sequentially forming a tunnel insulation layer and a first polysilicon layer on a substrate, patterning the first polysilicon layer and the tunnel insulation layer, forming a dielectric layer to cover the patterned first polysilicon layer and the patterned tunnel insulation layer, forming a gate insulation layer on the substrate where the substrate is exposed, forming a second polysilicon layer to cover the dielectric layer, and forming a first floating gate and a second floating gate a fixed distance apart from each other, the forming of the first and second floating gates including etching middle portions of the second polysilicon layer, the dielectric layer, the patterned first polysilicon layer, and the patterned tunnel insulation layer, and separating the etched layers into two parts.
US08541270B2
Semiconductor materials, particularly III-V materials used to form, e.g., a finlike structure can suffer structural damage during chemical mechanical polishing steps. This damage can be reduced or eliminated by oxidizing the damaged surface of the material and then etching away the oxidized material. The etching step can be accomplished simultaneously with a step of etching back a patterned oxide layers, such as a shallow trench isolation layer.
US08541258B2
Thin film transistor, method of manufacturing the same and flat panel display device having the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) using an oxide semiconductor as an active layer, a method of manufacturing the TFT, and a flat panel display device having the TFT include source and drain electrodes formed on a substrate; an active layer formed of an oxide semiconductor disposed on the source and drain electrodes; a gate electrode; and an interfacial stability layer formed on at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the active layer. In the TFT, the interfacial stability layer is formed of an oxide having a band gap of 3.0 to 8.0 eV. Since the interfacial stability layer has the same characteristics as a gate insulating layer and a passivation layer, chemically high interface stability is maintained. Since the interfacial stability layer has a band gap equal to or greater than that of the active layer, charge trapping is physically prevented.
US08541256B2
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, narrow bandgap II-VI compound semiconductor HgxCd1-xTe (0.1≦x≦0.5) (HgCdTe) wafers are annealed under Cd supersaturated conditions by exposing the HgCdTe planar or mesa surfaces to a Cd molecular beam in a vacuum deposition system before, during, and/or after anneals performed during individual photodiode fabrication process steps or HgCdTe epitaxial growth steps for eliminating or neutralizing the bulk or interfacial defects.
US08541255B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a semiconductor substrate; a first conductive region of the semiconductor substrate; a first conductive region on an upper surface side of the first conductive region of the semiconductor substrate; a second conductive region below the first conductive region on the upper surface side of the first conductive region of the semiconductor substrate. The solid-state imaging device further includes a photoelectric conversion region including the first conductive region located on the upper surface side of the first conductive region of the semiconductor substrate and the second conductive region and a transfer transistor transferring charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion region to a readout region; and a pixel including the photoelectric conversion region and the transfer transistor. The first conductive region, which is included in the photoelectric conversion region, extends to the lower side of a sidewall of a gate electrode of the transfer transistor.
US08541252B2
The use of an abbreviated GaN growth mode on nano-patterned AGOG sapphire substrates, which utilizes a process of using 15 nm low temperature GaN buffer and bypassing etch-back and recovery processes during epitaxy, enables the growth of high-quality GaN template on nano-patterned AGOG sapphire. The GaN template grown on nano-patterned AGOG sapphire by employing abbreviated growth mode has two orders of magnitude lower threading dislocation density than that of conventional GaN template grown on planar sapphire. The use of abbreviated growth mode also leads to significant reduction in cost of the epitaxy. The growths and characteristics of InGaN quantum wells (QWs) light emitting diodes (LEDs) on both templates were compared. The InGaN QWs LEDs grown on the nano-patterned AGOG sapphire demonstrated at least a 24% enhancement of output power enhancement over that of LEDs grown on conventional GaN templates.
US08541251B2
A light-emitting device manufacturing method comprises the steps of irradiating a substrate 2 having a III-V compound semiconductor layer 17 formed on a front face 2a with laser light L1 along lines to cut 5a, 5b, while locating a converging point P1 within the sapphire substrate 2 and using a rear face 2b thereof as a laser light entrance surface, and thereby forming modified regions 7a, 7b along the lines 5a, 5b within the substrate 2; then forming a light-reflecting layer on the rear face 2b of the substrate 2; and thereafter extending fractures generated from the modified regions 7a, 7b acting as a start point in the thickness direction of the substrate 2, and thereby cutting the substrate 2, the semiconductor layer 17 and the light-reflecting layer along the lines 5a, 5b, and manufacturing a light-emitting device.
US08541243B2
The invention provides a method for measuring the levels of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), tetrahydrofolate (THF), and 5,10-MTHF in a biological sample. The method includes employing an isotope dilution liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring/mass spectrometry (LC-MRM/MS) methodology.
US08541242B2
The present invention provides assays and devices for detection of substances in liquid samples. The assays and devices utilize passive diffusion between a porous material and a porous membrane containing a specific binding pair member to enable detection of the substance of interest.
US08541236B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides isolated oxidation resistant mutant apoA-I polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence substantially homologous to SEQ ID NO:4, the mutant apoA-I polypeptide comprising a combination of: (1) a conservative amino acid substitution at residue Tyr192; and (2) at least one conservative amino acid substitution at residue Met86, Met112, or Met148, wherein the mutant apoA-I polypeptide is resistant to modification by an oxidizing agent. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of promoting cholesterol efflux activity in a mammalian subject in need thereof, the method comprising the step of administering an effective amount of an oxidation resistant apoA-I agonist to the subject to promote cholesterol efflux.
US08541228B2
The present invention relates to a cell observation apparatus that facilitates the setting of schedules. An observation schedule that has already been registered is presented to a user by a time schedule display unit of a schedule setting screen, and a new observation schedule is acquired in response to an input of set values of photographic conditions by the user. Then determination is made whether the photographing time of this observation schedule and the photographing time of the already registered observation schedule overlap, and when the photographing times are determined to overlap, the photographic conditions including the photographing time of one or both of the observation schedules are changed and the observation schedule is registered. The invention can be applied, for example, to incubators for culturing cells.
US08541224B2
A method for retention testing sterilizing grade filters comprises: a) providing a stock of Acholeplasma laidlawii; b) growing up the stock of A. laidlawii for about 24 hours or less in a single serum-free growth medium that supports cell growth to a high titer and yields a cellular morphology where the cells are small, deaggregated and spherical, thereby producing a bacterial culture; c) challenging a test filter by filtering the bacterial culture through the test filter at a known challenge level, thereby producing a filtrate downstream of the test filter; and d) detecting concentration of A. laidlawii in the filtrate. Serum-free growth media for cultivating or storing A. laidlawii are also described.
US08541219B2
The invention relates to reverse transcriptases which have increased fidelity (or reduced misincorporation rate) and/or terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity. In particular, the invention relates to a method of making such reverse transcriptases by modifying or mutating specified positions in the reverse transcriptases. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the genes encoding the reverse trancriptases of the invention, to host cells containing such nucleic acid molecules and to methods to make the reverse trancriptases using the host cells. The reverse transcriptases of the invention are particularly suited for nucleic acid synthesis, sequencing, amplification and cDNA synthesis.
US08541217B2
An apparatus and method that may be used for collecting target cells or tissue and preparing a cell block are disclosed.
US08541216B2
The present invention provides an insecticidal fermentation broth of an actinomycete, where the fermentation broth contains an optimized ratio of active dunaimycins to inactive dunaimycins.
US08541215B2
Disclosed are novel microorganisms having an excellent ability to reduce selenium acid compounds, a selenium acid compound-reducing agent comprising such microorganism(s) as an active ingredient, a method for reducing and a method for removing a selenium acid compound with use of such microorganism(s), and a process for producing metallic selenium. The microorganisms of the present invention are Aeromonas sp. strain JPCC SEP JP-1, Klebsiella sp. strain JPCC SEP JP-2, and Sulfurospirillum sp. strain JPCCY SEP-3. Also disclosed are a method for reducing a selenium acid compound comprising the step of co-culturing these microorganisms under the presence of a selenium acid compound, and a process for producing metallic selenium comprising the steps of: co-culturing these microorganisms under the presence of a selenium acid compound; and separating the thus produced culture product.
US08541213B2
This invention provides a recombinant yeast that can produce branched alcohol appropriate for automotive fuel and the like and a branched alcohol production method whereby branched alcohol can be produced at low cost with the use of the recombinant yeast. A recombinant yeast in which a hydroxymethyl glutaryl-CoA reductase gene has been expressed to a high degree and the ADP-ribose pyrophosphatase gene and/or the yhfR gene are introduced so as to be expressed therein is provided.
US08541211B2
A method is disclosed for the generation of triacylglycerols from gums that have been separated from an oil product. The gums are treated with an enzyme having PLC activity, which results in the formation of diacylglycerols and phosphates, and treated with an enzyme having PLA activity, which results in the formation of lyso-phospholipids and free fatty acids. The diacylglycerols and the free fatty acids from these two separate reactions then combine in the presence of the enzymes to generate new triacylglycerol molecules.
US08541207B2
The present invention relates to compositions, methods and systems for analyzing the methylation state of nucleic acids. Some embodiments relate to a compositions, methods and systems for analyzing the methylation state of DNA with a gene array.
US08541196B2
The present invention provides a device for activating a self-contained biological indicator. The biological indicator includes a casing, an ampule having a growth-promoting medium disposed therein and microorganisms. The ampule and microorganisms are disposed within the casing. The device is comprised of a first lever arm having a cavity formed therein. The cavity is dimensioned to receive a biological indicator. A second lever arm has a protrusion extending from a surface thereof and is moveable relative to the first lever arm to deform a casing of the biological indicator thereby fracturing an ampule in the casing and exposing microorganisms in the casing to a growth-promoting medium in the ampule of the biological indicator.
US08541195B2
A testing unit and a method of testing a sterilization packaging unit for microbial contamination of sterilized objects after they have been sterilized are disclosed. The testing unit includes a dry matrix for accommodating a nutrient medium and a receptacle containing a liquid. By applying the liquid onto the matrix, the matrix is provided with a nutrient medium. In the method, the testing unit is inserted into the sterilization packaging unit which is sterilized and stored. At a desired point in time, the receptacle is opened in order to produce the nutrient medium in the matrix. After a possible multiplication of microbes on the matrix, an observation of microbes takes place. The invention also relates to a sterilization packaging unit which has a rigid outer casing and is suitable for the application of the method.
US08541191B2
Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.
US08541190B2
Methods and materials use template-directed assembly of polypeptides and optionally additional reagents to analyze the functionality of membrane-associated proteins, such as, for example, portions of transmembrane proteins, membrane-associated proteins, and others proteins that bind to transmembrane proteins and membrane-associated proteins, and to analyze the effect of test compounds or mutations on the functionality of same. The methods and materials of the present application provide a more native-like environment for analyzing the functionality of membrane-associated proteins, and thus provide effective tools for studies involving the detection of the level of enzyme activity of such proteins in an environment that closely resembles the native environment in the cell, and for novel manufacturing processes.
US08541188B2
The present invention relates to immunoassays for serologically differentiating animals naturally infected with PRRS virus from animals vaccinated against PRRS. The immunoassays provide detection of at least a portion of the N terminal region of the 2b portion of PRRSV. The immunoassay is preferably an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
US08541187B2
Testing systems and methods are disclosed for detecting a pregnancy marker of an animal. A test kit may include a first standard with a first concentration of the marker, a second standard with a second concentration of the marker lower than the first concentration, and at least three test surfaces coated with a biomolecular recognition element selected to bind with the marker. The test may also include a reagent solution with a conjugated biomolecular recognition element that binds with the marker, and a visual indicator that produces a visually detectable change when reacting with the conjugated biomolecular recognition element bound to each test surface. A detectable change generated by the marker from the sample with an intensity greater than the first concentration yields a pregnant result, lower than the second concentration yields a not pregnant result, and between the first and second concentrations yields a retest result.
US08541181B2
Methods and kits are provided for determining if cells of a tumor in an organ or a tissue in a subject are likely to invade another organ or tissue in the subject and for determining if a cancer in a subject is likely to metastasize.
US08541179B2
The present invention provides a method for specifically detecting a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex-specific secretory protein MPT64 antigen in a biological sample, whereby diagnosis of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is carried out rapidly and safely with higher accuracy than before. An antibody that recognizes an epitope for MPB64 located in any one of amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 2 to 4, particularly a monoclonal antibody was obtained. Thus, an immunoassay using the antibody, particularly a sandwich immunoassay using first and second antibodies to MPB64, particularly an immunochromatographic assay and an immunochromatographic test strip are provided. A biological sample can be rapidly subjected to the immunoassay without culturing or after culturing for a time before Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex bacteria in the sample substantially start to grow. The biological sample may be pretreated by treatment for inactivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or treatment by dispersion or solubilization.
US08541172B2
Improved compositions, methods, apparatus, and kits for high-throughput nucleic acid amplification, detection and sequencing are disclosed. A nucleic acid cluster having an identifiable center is produced by generating on a solid support an immobilized nucleic acid complement from a template, one of which comprises a detectable label; and amplifying the complement and the template to obtain a nucleic acid cluster on the support, the cluster having a substantially central location marked by the detectable label and a surrounding region comprising immobilized copies. Also disclosed are nucleotide sequence determination in nucleic acid clusters so produced, center position annotation in the clusters, assignment of sequence information to overlapping clusters, and related compositions and methods.
US08541170B2
The present invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for molecular profiling and cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to gene expression product markers, alternative exon usage markers, and DNA polymorphisms associated with cancer. In particular, the present invention provides molecular profiles associated with thyroid cancer, methods of determining molecular profiles, and methods of analyzing results to provide a diagnosis.
US08541164B2
A sub-wavelength photolithographic method includes exposing a photoresist material to a stimulating electromagnetic source prior to further exposing the photoresist material to a dissociating electromagnetic source. The stimulating electromagnetic source induces Rabi oscillations in the photoresist material between a first molecular state and an excited molecular state. The subsequent exposure of the photoresist material to the dissociating electromagnetic source dissociates only those molecules that are in the excited state, altering the properties of the photoresist material in zones of excited state molecules. The resulting patterns therefore depend on the spatial distribution of the zones of excited state molecules induced by the stimulating electromagnetic source. The properties of the stimulating electromagnetic source are controlled to achieve a desired spatial distribution of zones of excited state molecules of the photoresist material.
US08541160B2
Provided is an actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition excelling in the LWR, pattern collapse performance and DOF, and a method of forming a pattern using the same. The composition according to the present invention contains (A) a resin containing a repeating unit with any of partial structures of general formula (I) below, (B) a compound (PA) as defined in the specification, and (C) a compound being configured to generate an acid when exposed to actinic rays or radiation, wherein the resin is contained in an amount of 50 mass % or more based on total solids of the composition.
US08541145B2
A fluid distribution insert adapted to be received within an inlet header of a fuel cell assembly is disclosed. The fluid distribution insert includes a wedge section having a first end and a second end. The wedge section forms a fluid flow path between a surface forming the inlet header and the wedge section, wherein the fluid flow path receives a fluid therein and delivers the fluid to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly. The wedge section minimizes a cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path adjacent the second end of the wedge section to maintain a substantially constant fluid velocity along a length of the inlet header.
US08541140B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a reformer which generates a reformed gas through a reforming reaction between a gaseous fuel and water and supplies the reformed gas to the fuel cell stack, a fuel tank which compresses the gaseous fuel, stores the compressed fuel in an at least a partially liquid phase, and supplies the gaseous fuel to the reformer, a water tank connected to the fuel tank and the reformer to store water and to supply the water to the reformer by an internal air pressure of the fuel tank, and a first valve installed in a connection line connecting the water tank to the fuel tank to selectively open or close the connection line according to an electrical on/off pulse signal.
US08541139B2
A humidifier includes an inlet assembly provided in an air exhaust pipe, through which water-supersaturated exhaust gas is discharged from a fuel cell stack, to supply water condensed from the exhaust gas to the fuel cell stack and an outlet assembly provided in an air supply pipe, through which a reactant gas to be humidified and supplied to the fuel cell stack passes, to supply the water transferred through a pumping pipe to the air supply pipe such that the reactant gas is humidified. A pumping pipe including a porous material disposed therein along with electrodes are disposed between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly so that the water is transferred through a capillary path in the porous material via a pumping force by electroosmosis when the electrodes apply a voltage.
US08541137B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery, containing a case and provided in the case, a positive electrode containing at least one selected from the group consisting of spinel type lithium-manganese-nickel composite oxide and lithium phosphate oxide having an olivine structure, a negative electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode comprises a lithium-titanium composite oxide, wherein a crystallite diameter of the lithium-titanium composite oxide is not larger than 6.9×102 {acute over (Å)}. The lithium-titanium composite oxide comprises: rutile TiO2; anatase TiO2; Li2TiO3; and a lithium titanate having a spinel structure. A main peak intensity relative to lithium titanate set at 100, as determined by X-ray diffractometry, of each of lithium titanate having a spinel structure, the rutile TiO2, the anatase TiO2 and Li2TiO3 is not larger than 7.
US08541133B2
An electrochemical device, having an anode containing magnesium; a cathode stable to a voltage of at least 3.2 V relative to a magnesium reference; and an electrolyte containing a solvent and a LiCl complex of a magnesium halide salt of a sterically hindered secondary amine is provided. In a preferred embodiment the electrolyte contains tetrahydrofuran and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-magnesium chloride-lithium chloride complex.
US08541132B2
A secondary battery is disclosed. In one embodiment, the battery includes i) an electrode assembly, ii) an electrolyte, iii) a tape attached to at least part of an outer surface of the electrode assembly and iv) a case accommodating the electrode assembly, electrolyte and tape. The tape includes a base layer, and wherein at least a portion of the base layer is configured to exhibit an adhesive property when contacting the electrolyte so as to contact an inner surface of the case.
US08541129B1
The present invention relates to a physicochemically-active porous membrane for electrochemical cells that purports dual functions: an electronic insulator (separator) and a unidirectional ion-transporter (electrolyte). The electrochemical cell membrane is activated for the transport of ions by contiguous ion coordination sites on the interior two-dimensional surfaces of the trans-membrane unidirectional pores. One dimension of the pore surface has a macroscopic length (1 nm-1000 μm) and is directed parallel to the direction of an electric field, which is produced between the cathode and the anode electrodes of an electrochemical cell. The membrane material is designed to have physicochemical interaction with ions. Control of the extent of the interactions between the ions and the interior pore walls of the membrane and other materials, chemicals, or structures contained within the pores provides adjustability of the ionic conductivity of the membrane.
US08541124B2
A kit is provided that provides for remotely locating a smoke detector battery from a surface mounted smoke detector of the type that comprises an internal two wire battery connector. The kit comprises a first connector arranged to mate with the internal two-wire battery connector. The kit also includes a length of surface mountable tape wire comprising at least two, flat, thin, flexible, elongate conductors carried by an insulating tape. One surface of the tape carries an adhesive layer or material bonded to the insulating tape. The tape wire is mountable to a flat surface or to adjacent flat surfaces such that said flat electrical conductors are mountable onto an interior wall surface, said wall surface being one of the same wall surface upon which said smoke detector is surface mounted or a wall surface adjacent to the surface upon which said smoke detector is surface mounted. A second connector is configured to connect the first pair of electrical wire conductors to the two elongate conductors. A container is provided for containing a smoke detector battery. The container comprises a pair of contacts for electrically connecting to a smoked detector battery. A third connector is provided to connect the container contacts to the elongate conductors. The container is mountable at a location on a wall surface to provide convenient access to the battery.
US08541120B2
A fuel cell system (100) includes: a circulation pump (50) provided on a fuel gas circulation channel (27) so as to circulate a fuel gas; a pump temperature detection portion (420) that detects a temperature of the circulation pump (50); a warmup portion that warms up the circulation pump; a pump control portion (410) that drives the circulation pump; and a breakdown determination portion (450) that determines whether the circulation pump has broken. At the start of the fuel cell system, if the pump temperature detected by the pump temperature detection portion (420) is below the melting point of water, the warmup portion warms the circulation pump, and the pump control portion (410) drives the circulation pump (50). If the pump temperature is higher than or equal to the melting point of water and the rotation speed of the circulation pump (50) is less than a predetermined speed, the breakdown determination portion (450) determines that the circulation pump (50) has broken.
US08541114B2
A light emitting device comprises a pair of electrodes and a mixed layer provided between the pair of electrodes. The mixed layer contains an organic compound which contains no nitrogen atoms, i.e., an organic compound which dose not have an arylamine skeleton, and a metal oxide. As the organic compound, an aromatic hydrocarbon having an anthracene skeleton is preferably used. As such an aromatic hydrocarbon, t-BuDNA, DPAnth, DPPA, DNA, DMNA, t-BuDBA, and the like are listed. As the metal oxide, molybdenum oxide, vanadium oxide, ruthenium oxide, rhenium oxide, and the like are preferably used. Further, the mixed layer preferably shows absorbance per 1 μm of 1 or less or does not show a distinct absorption peak in a spectrum of 450 to 650 nm when an absorption spectrum is measured.
US08541113B2
A pyrene compound is provided. The pyrene compound is represented by Formula 1: wherein A1 and A2 are as defined in the specification. Further provided is an organic electroluminescent device using the pyrene compound. The organic electroluminescent device has high color purity of blue light and shows long life characteristics. Therefore, the organic electroluminescent device is suitable for use in displays and lighting systems.
US08541106B2
Provided is a glass article that improves the film strength of a photocatalyst film while maintaining the photocatalytic function and the reflection suppressing function of the photocatalyst film. The photocatalyst film on the glass sheet is formed to contain, in mass %, 50 to 82% of silicon oxide particles, 8 to 40% of titanium oxide particles, and 7 to 20% of a binder component composed of silicon oxide. The average particle diameter of the silicon oxide particles is set to at least 5 times the average particle diameter of the titanium oxide particles. The photocatalyst film is formed to have a structure such that some of the silicon oxide particles in the film serve as protruding silicon oxide particles that are not in contact with the glass sheet and that have their top portions protruding from the surrounding titanium oxide particles and being exposed on the surface of the film, while some of the titanium oxide particles are interposed between the glass sheet and the protruding silicon oxide particles.
US08541101B2
A coating includes a titanium aluminum layer; a titanium aluminum nitride layer deposited on the titanium aluminum layer; a titanium aluminum carbon-nitride layer deposited on the titanium aluminum nitride layer; and a silicon carbon-nitride layer deposited on the titanium aluminum carbon-nitride layer.
US08541100B2
A coating includes a nano-composite layer including a plurality of films. The films are stacked together one after another. Each film includes a zirconium-copper carbonitride layer and a zirconium carbonitride layer.
US08541081B1
An easy-open, reclosable package includes a tray with tray liner; a product; and a lidstock, including a substrate including a first layer of high modulus thermoplastic material, and a second layer including an oxygen barrier; and a coextruded film including a first layer including a blend of from 80% to 88% ionomer resin, and from 12% to 20% olefinic polymer, a second layer including a pressure sensitive adhesive, and optionally a third layer including a polymeric adhesive; wherein the first layer of the coextruded film is sealed to the tray liner; the coextruded film is adhered to an inner surface of the substrate film; and after the package is opened, and the pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed, the package can be reclosed by adhering the adhesive to a portion of the first layer of the coextruded film that remained sealed to the tray liner when the package was opened.
US08541077B2
The present invention relates to a multi-layer oriented shrink film comprising at least one skin layer comprising a polystyrene material and at least one core layer comprising a polyolefin layer. The films are preferably primarily oriented in either the machine or the cross direction. These films are ideally suited for use as a shrink label which can be applied either as a CD shrink sleeve or applied using a continuous roll process. The films ideally have an overall density of less than 1.0 g/cm3, to facilitate recycling efforts.
US08541061B2
The present invention provides an anticorrosion coating method for a galvanized steel structure, the method comprising applying an undercoating composition (I) to a cured thickness of 10 to 200 μm to a surface of a galvanized steel structure, and then applying thereto an overcoating composition (II) to a cured thickness of 100 to 1,500 μm; the undercoating composition (I) comprising an epoxy resin (A) having two or more epoxy groups per molecule, a specific amount of a resin (B) such as a urethane-modified epoxy resin, and an amine-based curing agent (C); the undercoating composition (I) having a shrinkage stress of 20 kg/cm2 or less when it is in the form of a 50 μm-thick cured coating film; and the overcoating composition (II) comprising an epoxy resin (D) having two or more epoxy groups per molecule, a specific amount of a flaky pigment (E), and an amine-based curing agent (F).
US08541056B2
Compositions and methods for treating textile substrates to obtain superior liquid repellent properties are disclosed. Durable microscopic surface structures imparted to the fibrous substrate allow liquids to bead up and roll off of its surface. Mechanical abrasion or sanding techniques may be used to create the microscopic surface structures on the surface of a fibrous textile substrate, without substantially breaking fibers, followed by a chemical treatment using, for example, fluorocarbon-containing repellent compositions. Particles may be employed in combination with repellent compositions to achieve superior repellent properties. A property of the roughened surface fibers, the Roughness Factor, is used to characterize the microscopic surface structures on the treated textile surface. Treated textile substrates are disclosed which achieve superior water and oil repellency, even after multiple abrasion or laundering cycles.
US08541055B2
The present invention is directed toward a method for coating an article by placing the article in a coating apparatus comprising at least one coating chamber having at least one air conduit in flow communication with the coating chamber via an air pathway. A portion of the article extends into a shielding member. At least one coating member is positioned in the coating chamber and is in flow communication with a source of titanium-containing coating material. The coating member deposits the coating material onto the exterior of the article to form a coating. At least one exhaust member is in flow communication with the coating chamber via an exhaust pathway for removing excess coating material from the coating chamber.
US08541054B2
A method for synthesizing carbon nanostructures is provided. A metalorganic layer is deposited on a substrate that has a deposition mask. The mask is removed, which also removes the portion of the metalorganic precursor deposited on the mask. The remaining portions of the metal organic layer are oxidized to produce a metal growth catalyst on the substrate that can be used for synthesis of carbon nanostructures.
US08541052B2
A method of manufacture comprising forming a plurality of cells on a substrate, wherein each of the cells has at least one dimension that is less than about 1 millimeter and is configured to hold a medium therein, and wherein each of the cells has walls that laterally enclose an area of a surface of the substrate and has a top opening. The method also comprises contacting the cells with a fluid and introducing a surfactant and a medium into the fluid to thereby form a foam layer contacting the walls of cells. Bubbles of the foam layer have fluid walls that include the surfactant, the bubbles are filled with the medium, and the bubbles remain substantially stationary on the top openings of the cells for a period on average of at least about 1 minute.
US08541043B2
Edible emulsion comprising 5 to 85 wt % fat and between 0.003 wt % and 0.7 wt % of iron and between 0.002 wt % and 0.3 wt % of zinc.
US08541042B2
The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.
US08541038B2
A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion.
US08541035B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method first involves subjecting ginseng to an extraction with a solvent to obtain a ginseng extract. Next, pectinase and beta-galactosidase are added to the ginseng extract under conditions effective to ferment the ginseng extract. The fermented extract is then concentrated to produce a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method may further involve drying the fermented ginseng concentrate to obtain fermented ginseng powder.
US08541031B2
Disclosed are articles comprising layered nanocrystalline calcite and methods for forming nanocrystalline calcite layers and compositions comprising nanocrystalline calcite layers.
US08541019B2
The present invention is directed to palatable ductile chewable veterinary composition for oral administration. The composition is capable of killing endo-parasites and ecto-parasites and/or can be used for treating prophylactic or curative animal diseases, and it is useful for the treatment of any warm-blooded non-human animal, including herd animals, like horses, cattle, sheep or poultry and preferably pets like dogs and cats. It consists basically of (A) an effective amount of one or more ingredients that are active against animal pests, pathogens or animal diseases; (B) meat flavoring; (C) partially gelatinized starch; (D) a softener; and (E) up to 9% water.
US08541006B2
The present invention provides methods and kits for biofilm detection.
US08541000B2
The present invention relates to a new variant of the group 2 allergen from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, named Der p 2 variant, and uses thereof. The new variant exhibits cDNA and protein sequence diversity from other known Der p 2 variants.
US08540998B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions for treatment, screening, diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer or pancreatic cancer, for monitoring the effectiveness of bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer or pancreatic cancer treatment, and for drug development based on Ephrin Type-A Receptor 10 Protein.
US08540996B2
Monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins that bind specifically to the envelope glycoprotein of H5 subtypes or neuraminidase glycoprotein of N1 subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) are provided. The monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins are useful for the detection of H5 and N1 subtypes of AIV, including H5N1 subtypes and provide means for the diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of dangerous viral infections.
US08540985B2
The present invention concerns a method for modulating the enzymatic activity of an enzyme, wherein said enzyme interacts with BMP, said method comprising the step of administering or inducing Hsp70, or a functional fragment or variant thereof, in a form suitable for allowing interaction between BMP and Hsp70, or said functional fragment or variant thereof, and thereby modulating the enzymatic activity of an enzyme interacting with BMP.
US08540980B2
A controlled release delivery system composition and method applied to humans and animals, for oral, anal or vaginal administration of a biological component is disclosed. Preferably, a bacterium is delivered, and more preferably the bacterium is probiotic in nature, however, the biological component is not limited to the bacterium.
US08540976B2
A poly(non-conjugated diene) based sunscreen has a plurality of repeating units where each repeating unit has at least one UV absorbing chromophore that is situated between and connected by chains to two mono-ene units where each UV absorbing chromophore absorb UVA and UVB light. The poly(non-conjugated diene) based sunscreen can be included with a vehicle for application to the skin to prevent sunburn. The poly(non-conjugated diene) based sunscreen can be prepared by acyclic diene metathesis polymerization.
US08540975B2
Provided is a method for styling mammalian hair that includes contacting the hair with a composition that includes a poly(vinylamine-vinylformamide) copolymer and a first carrier, contacting the hair with a composition that includes a citrate and a second carrier, and styling the hair. The method of the present invention promotes improved hair styling properties such as improved curl retention and straightness retention, e.g., under conditions of high relative humidity and temperature. The method can be used for semi-permanently straightening or curling the hair. Also provided is a method for controlling frizz by applying the copolymer and citrate compositions.
US08540973B2
The present invention is directed to a cosmetic composition includes (a) at least one polyamine; (b) at least one oil-soluble polar modified polymer; (c) at least one gelling agent; (d) at least one hyperbranched polyol; and (e) water.
US08540972B2
The present invention concerns the use of hydroxyapatite as the physical sunscreening agent in synergistic association with at least one chemical sunscreening agent, in products designed for application to the skin in order to protect the same from solar UV radiation. Particularly, cosmetic compositions are described comprising the sunscreen product having screening capability, high dermal tolerance and a low whitening effect on the skin.
US08540970B2
The present invention provides a composition comprising olive oil, trimethylglycine and xylitol for treating xerostomia and disorders associated thereto, with very good results in increasing the unstimulated salivary flow, in alleviating the symptoms of xerostomia, including the pain associated to xerostomia, as well as improving the quality of life of affected persons. The composition of the invention has also been proved to protect dentin against demineralization in acid conditions.
US08540966B2
The present invention relates to a novel class of paramagnetic ion-based contrast agents of formula (I), wherein a chelating backbone moiety is highly functionalized by the presence of one or more polyhydroxylated chain, that show a pharmacokinetic profile analogous to that of the commonly used T1-general extravascular agents (NSA) but are further characterized by a higher relaxivity.
US08540955B2
The present invention provides improved methods for producing the aluminum adjuvant AlPO4. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing aluminum phosphate which comprises the steps of mixing a solution of aluminum chloride and a solution of sodium phosphate tribasic to produce an aluminum phosphate precipitate, wherein the improvement comprises settling the aluminum phosphate precipitate at a temperature in the range of about 50° C. to about 70° C. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to methods for producing aluminum phosphate within a closed system.
US08540950B2
The invention relates to a method for removing chloride from zinc sulphate solution in conjunction with zinc production. According to the method, the chloride is removed from solution by means of monovalent copper, which is produced in a separate copper(I) oxide formation stage, in which the pH is regulated to the region of 4.5-5.
US08540943B2
A portable ozonation apparatus for storing and purifying liquids includes a container having an opening for receiving a liquid and a treatment cap. The treatment cap is preferably detachably mounted to the container at the opening. Preferably, the treatment cap includes a main body portion having provided therein an electricity generating device and an ozone generating device. With this arrangement, un-purified liquid, such as water, is introduced into the container. The container is then inverted to bring the un-purified liquid into contact with the ozone generating device. At this point, the electricity generating device is activated to deliver an electrical current to the ozone generating device. Once powered, the ozone generating device produces ozone which is introduced into the liquid container. The ozone gas transforms un-purified liquid into a purified liquid suitable for consumption.
US08540940B2
To obtain a catalytic converter device that can suppress a drop in the effect of heating a catalyst carrier caused by water droplets produced in an exhaust pipe. A holding mat that holds a catalyst carrier in a case cylinder is given a three-layer structure comprising an inside fiber layer, a solid layer, and an outside fiber layer. The solid layer projects toward an upstream side from an upstream-side end face of the catalyst carrier, and an interstice portion is configured between the projecting portion and the case cylinder. Water droplets adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the case cylinder do not reach the catalyst carrier because the projecting portion serves as a barrier.
US08540929B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet including the steps of: molding a mixture of magnetic powder containing a rare earth compound and oil-extended rubber containing oil and rubber to produce a molded body; removing the oil-extended rubber from the molded body; and calcining the molded body from which the oil-extended rubber is removed to produce a rare earth sintered magnet 10.
US08540914B2
One embodiment of a method of manufacturing a textured surface may include providing a first thermally stable sheet, printing a pattern of material on the first sheet to form a three-dimensional textured surface, and curing the material, then using said first sheet to impart negative texture into Tedlar faced epoxy composite blanket, which is in turn used to impart texture into a decorative laminate.
US08540913B2
In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, three-dimensional micro-mechanical devices and/or micro-structures can be made using a production casting process. As part of this process, an intermediate mold can be made from or derived from a precision stack lamination and used to fabricate the devices and/or structures. Further, the micro-devices and/or micro-structures can be fabricated on planar or nonplanar surfaces through use of a series of production casting processes and intermediate molds. The use of precision stack lamination can allow the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures. Moreover, via certain molding and/or casting materials, molds having cavities with protruding undercuts also can be fabricated. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08540897B1
Systems and methods for gasifying a feedstock are provided. A feedstock can be introduced to a riser. A first oxidant can be introduced to a first mixing zone within the riser, thereby generating a first high temperature zone within the first mixing zone proximate an entry point of the first oxidant. A first stream of water can be introduced to the first high temperature zone to reduce the temperature therein. A second oxidant can be introduced to a second mixing zone within the riser, thereby generating a second high temperature zone within the second mixing zone proximate an entry point of the second oxidant. A second stream of water can be introduced to the second high temperature zone to reduce the temperature therein. The feedstock and the first and second oxidants can be gasified in a gasification zone within the riser.
US08540894B2
A polishing composition that can improve polishing property without foaming is provided. A polishing composition includes a pH regulator, a water-soluble polymer compound, and a compound containing an alkylene diamine structure having two nitrogens represented by the following general formula (1), and having at least one block type polyether bonded to the two nitrogens of the alkylene structure, the block type polyether having a bond of an oxyethylene group and an oxypropylene group: where R represents an alkylene group represented by CnH2n, in which n is an integer of 1 or more.
US08540893B2
A chemical mechanical polishing composition useful for chemical mechanical polishing of a patterned semiconductor wafer containing a nonferrous metal. The chemical mechanical polishing composition comprises an inhibitor for the nonferrous metal; a copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether (meth)acrylate and 1-vinylimidazole; and water.
US08540890B2
A method for treating a surface of a porous material in an environment is provided, comprising setting the temperature of the surface to a value T1 and setting the pressure of the environment to a value P1, contacting the surface with a fluid having a solidifying temperature at the pressure value P1 above the value T1 and having a vaporizing temperature at the pressure value P1 below 80° C., thereby solidifying the fluid in pores of the material, thereby sealing the pores, treating the surface, wherein the treatment is preferably an etching or a modification of the surface, and setting the temperature of the surface to a value T2 and setting the pressure of the environment to a value P2 in such a way as to vaporize the fluid.
US08540883B2
A polymer composite is provided for a water treatment. The polymer composite with excellent workability is capable of adsorbing impurities in water, being rapidly separated from the water using magnetic forces. The polymer composite includes secondary aggregates. The secondary aggregates are formed of clumped particles, the particles being magnetic particles covered with a polymer. The polymer composite has porous structures suitable for adsorbing underwater impurities.
US08540871B2
A denitrification method is disclosed for removing nitrogen compounds from a hydrocarbon feed in which the feed is contacted with an adsorbent including an organic heterocyclic salt deposited on a porous support. Additionally, a method for hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feed which includes a hydroprocessing step is disclosed, wherein prior to hydroprocessing, the feed is contacted with an adsorbent including an organic heterocyclic salt deposited on a support. Additionally, a method for producing a lube oil which includes isomerization dewaxing of a base oil fraction is disclosed, wherein prior to the isomerization dewaxing step, the base oil fraction is contacted with an adsorbent including an organic heterocyclic salt deposited on a support.
US08540853B2
Vertical system for the plating treatment of a work piece, the system comprising at least two treatment modules, wherein retaining devices for the work pieces are provided in the treatment modules, and at least one transport device including at least one gripping device, which retains the work piece and has a respective fastening device, and each fastening device comprises first and second clamping devices, each associated with one side of the work piece, wherein both the first and second clamping devices are displaceable for gripping and releasing the work pieces, wherein the gripping device comprises at least two fastening devices that are spaced apart from one another, each of the first and second clamping devices are moveable torsion bars as a result of which the work piece is tensioned between the fastening devices during clamping parallel to its first side.
US08540835B2
The invention concerns a method of welding a laminate for the production of flexible tubular plastic bodies. The method comprises the following operations: a laminate is shaped around a welding tool, the ends of the laminate to be welded are heated, the ends are pressed together and at least partly cooled, the welded zone is deformed so as to increase its area, and the weld zone is cooled. The invention also concerns a device that is suitable for using the method mentioned above.
US08540830B2
A continuous method for producing a thermoplastically moldable semifinished product of a thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers, comprises blending thermoplastic fibers and reinforcing fibers together to form a nonwoven blend, consolidating the nonwoven blend by needling or by a thermal treatment, heating the consolidated nonwoven blend to a temperature above the softening temperature of the thermoplastic, compressing the consolidated nonwoven blend successively in a heated compression mold and in a cooled compression mold at a pressure of less than 0.8 bar for at least 3 seconds, and optionally applying functional layers to the semifinished product. The preferred product is a thermoplastically moldable semifinished product of a thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers with an average length of 20 to 60 mm and an air pore content of 35 to 65 vol %.
US08540825B2
A low-temperature stainless steel carburization method comprises steps: providing a stainless steel material; placing the stainless steel material in a halogen-free reducing environment and maintaining the stainless steel at a first temperature ranging 1,050 to 1,400° C.; and placing the stainless steel material in a carbon-bearing atmosphere and maintaining the stainless steel material at a second temperature lower than 600° C. to implant carbon atoms into the stainless steel material to form a carburized layer on the surface of the stainless steel material. A halide-bearing gas or solution is not to be applied to activate the passivation layer, so the fabrication cost would be reduced and the safety of carburization process would be enhanced. Besides, the environment can be prevented from halide pollution.
US08540824B2
The transporting process from cleaning and drying processing of a substrate in a cleaning/drying processing unit in a cleaning/drying processing group to post-exposure bake (PEB) of the substrate in a thermal processing group for post-exposure bake in a cleaning/drying processing block is described below. First, after the substrate after exposure processing is subjected to the cleaning and drying processing in the cleaning/drying processing group, a sixth central robot takes out the substrate from the cleaning/drying processing group and carries that substrate into the thermal processing group for post-exposure bake in the cleaning/drying processing block.
US08540823B2
A cleaning composition that contains film flakes with beneficial ingredients. The composition with the film flakes releases the beneficial ingredients when it is delivered to the target surface.
US08540812B2
The present invention relates to a machine-readable security element for security products which comprises at least one particulate substance having electroluminescent properties and a transparent, electrically conductive pigment, to a priming ink for the production of a security element of this type, and to a security product which includes the security element.
US08540809B2
An external cover of a replaceable cartridge forms at least a portion of an air drying apparatus of a compressed air brake for a vehicle. A first slope is formed at an intermediate position between an extremity of a rising piece and a bottom of an external cover, and a left vertical wall is formed. A right vertical wall is formed opposite the left vertical wall. A top face is formed between the left vertical wall and the right vertical wall. An indentation is defined by the left vertical wall, the right vertical wall, and the top face. A sealing member is fitted into the indentation. A circular-arc portion is formed at a lower end of the right vertical wall. A second slope is formed in an extending manner at a predetermined height from a lower end face that is an intermediate position on a height of the external cover.
US08540806B2
There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance including a hetero-phase polymer composition including two or more polymers wherein at least one of the two or more polymers include sulfonic groups, wherein the substance is adapted to pervaporate a fluid. The fluid may include water, water vapor or both. There is also provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both) the process includes mixing two or more polymers, wherein at least one of the two or more polymers may include groups which are adapted to be sulfonated, to produce a hetero-phase polymer composition and processing the polymer blend into a desired form.
US08540797B2
A method to introduce ceramic particles into liquid metal through the polymeric precursor route by cross-linking organic precursor into a hard polymer, which is added to the liquid melt for in-situ pyrolysis of the organic into the ceramic phase. The starting material, the organic, for the above process can be in the form of a liquid or a solid. If it is a solid it is usually dissolved into a solvent to create a liquid form. The organic is then cross linked either directly by a thermal process, by adding a catalyst, or by the well known sol-gel process into a hard polymer. It is this hard polymer which is then pyrolyzed into a high temperature ceramic material by the process outlined above.
US08540796B1
Durable porous metal nanostructures comprising thin metal nanosheets that are metastable under some conditions that commonly produce rapid reduction in surface area due to sintering and/or Ostwald ripening. The invention further comprises the method for making such durable porous metal nanostructures. Durable, high-surface area nanostructures result from the formation of persistent durable holes or pores in metal nanosheets formed from dendritic nanosheets.
US08540793B2
An exhaust processing device includes a main body tube portion and a closing tube portion. The main body tube portion includes an opening in an axial end thereof, houses a main body exhaust path in an inside thereof, which allows an exhaust gas to pass therethrough. The closing tube portion includes a plate portion and a tubular portion. The plate portion covers the opening of the axial end of the main body tube portion. The tubular portion radially outwardly protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the main body tube portion, and is integrated with the plate portion. The tubular portion houses an exhaust path in an inside thereof, which communicates with the main body exhaust path. The tubular portion of the closing tube portion includes a first split half portion integrally molded with the plate portion, and a second split half portion joined to the first split half portion.
US08540777B2
Apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy, the apparatus comprising: a wedge-shaped implant for disposition in a wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises a hole extending therethrough; a fixation screw for extending through the hole and securing the wedge-shaped implant to the tibia; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the fixation screw to the wedge-shaped implant. The fixation screw comprises: a shaft having a distal threaded portion and a proximal threaded portion, wherein the distal threaded portion and the proximal threaded portion are characterized by different thread pitches.
US08540775B2
In order to improve a modular implant part for replacing a part of a natural knee joint with an implant component comprising a shaft extending away from the implant component and a connecting device for connecting the shaft to the implant component such that the shaft is adapted to be fixed to the implant component in a multiplicity of desired positions in a simple manner, it is proposed that the connecting device be formed in such a manner that, in a mounting disposition, the shaft is adapted to be moved into different translatory positions by a translatory movement in a direction transverse or substantially transverse to its longitudinal axis, and that, in an implantation disposition, the shaft is adapted to be fixed immovably to the implant component in one of the different translatory positions. Furthermore, an improved knee joint prosthesis is proposed.
US08540763B2
A self-expanding aneurysm cover device which takes the form of an outwardly biased cylindrical skeletal frame in which the proximal end of the cylindrical skeletal frame forms a loop which extends at an oblique angle to the axis of the cylindrical skeletal frame. A positioning tab extends from the proximal end of the skeletal frame which when pulled causes the cylindrical skeletal frame to collapse to a reduced diameter for removal of the device from a vessel.
US08540762B2
Expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen are disclosed. Some embodiments of these implants comprise a circumferentially nested, diametrically expandable, moveable vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The device can be configured to allow for motion such as rotating, translating, and/or slide and lock.
US08540755B2
A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw includes a body having a head at one end and a cutting end at an opposite end, the cutting end having a generally flat cutting surface supporting two symmetrical cutting edges which extend from the longitudinal centerline to diametrically opposed thread start points. A recess is formed in the head for receiving an end of an insertion tool. A dual lead thread extends outwardly from the body in a spiral path from the cutting end towards the head. The dual lead thread pitch is tapered towards the cutting end, and transitions to a straight or slightly tapered thread towards the head.
US08540754B2
Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spine. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae relative to the fixation element to adjust as the orientation of the patient's spine changes.
US08540744B2
Devices and methods are provided for penetrating tissue and/or effecting movement of devices relative to tissue. In general, a surgical instrument is provided having an at least partially fabric-covered distal tip that be used to at least partially penetrate tissue by contacting the tissue with the fabric and rotating the fabric to “drill” into the tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured for delivery proximate to tissue through a working channel of a delivery device and can include an elongate shaft having in its distal portion an end effector at least partially covered in fabric. The fabric, the end effector, and/or the shaft can rotate, thereby allowing at least the fabric to penetrate the tissue and, if sufficiently rotated, causing an opening to form in the tissue. The surgical instrument and/or the delivery device can be advanced through the opening.
US08540739B2
An anastomotic device (10) is suitable for approximating and keeping close to each other a first tissue portion (12) and a second tissue portion (14) intended to form an anastomosis. The anastomotic device (10) comprises an abutment portion (18) suitable for the abutment against a surface of the first tissue portion (12) and a locking portion (20) suitable for being placed opposite the abutment portion (18) with respect to the first and second tissue portion (12, 14). The locking portion (20) and the abutment portion (18) are mutually connectable through the first and second tissue portions approximated, to keep them connected. The anastomotic device (10) is suitable for being connected to a guide means comprising at least one guide wire (A, B).
US08540730B1
A surgical instrument for performing electrosurgery is provided. The instrument includes an elongated body, an electrode blade tip, and a curettage tool removably attached to the instrument. The curettage tool has two scraping tips and each tip is positioned laterally from the electrode blade tip by a distance. The curettage tool has an attachment point configured for attaching to the tool or the electrode blade. The scraping tips of the curettage tool are disposed on two divergent arms that extend from the attachment point. The two scraping tips are disposed symmetrically relative to the electrode blade tip so that both left and right handed practitioners can use the instrument.
US08540720B2
A cable threader device for passing a guide cable between pedicle screws during minimally invasive spinal surgery, the device comprising a handle with a trigger mechanism, the handle mounted onto an elongated shaft having a curved free end with a detachable curved lead member retained in telescoping manner on the end of the body. The guide cable is affixed to the lead member, the instrument is inserted into a first screw tower, the trigger mechanism is activated to advance the lead member into the adjacent tower, and the lead member and guide cable are retrieved through the second tower. Alternatively, the lead member is a hollow sleeve and the guide cable is pushed through the lead member.
US08540719B2
Instruments and methods for inserting a spinal fixation rod include various components for inserting a rod with visual guidance. One kit includes a plurality of hollow elongated extension tubes and rod templates. The tube connectors connect the extension tubes in series. Another kit includes a rod guidance instrument having a sleeve. A guide member is attachable to the midsection of the sleeve, and a spinal fixation rod is attachable to the distal end of the sleeve. A method for inserting a spinal fixation rod into a plurality of rod receiving implants includes the steps of contouring a fixation rod to conform to a predetermined shape, contouring a guide member to match the shape of the contoured rod, and guiding the fixation rod into a rod receiving implant by maneuvering the guide member through a guide slot representing the location of the rod receiving implant.
US08540715B2
A locking rod fusion device and method uses internal locking rods and screws that will lock together. In particular, the device allows the insertion of multiple locking rods in combination with a plate, which requires less dissection and disruption of soft tissues and vasculature. The device also provides a more stable internal construct for fusions that prevent non-unions, hardware failure and reoccurrence of deformities, such as Charcot foot. The device combines the strength of locking technology and the utility and ease of an internal rod system to provide a single stable construct in multiple planes as apposed to using multiple plates or screws separately.
US08540714B2
Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of an intramedullary nail system for use in pediatric cases, including an intramedullary nail and a targeting assembly. Embodiments of the nail may be one-piece and include a proximal portion, a medial portion and a distal portion. The junction of the medial portion and distal portion is a bend that provides a small angle between the medial portion and the distal portion as viewed when the nail is substantially in a medial-lateral plane. The targeting assembly attaches to the proximal portion of the nail securely and enables easy insertion of fixing screws.
US08540712B2
A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle and a fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to one or more selectively removable grips and the movable handle is configured to impart movement of one or more movable jaw members operably associated with the end effector.
US08540709B2
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for preventing reuse of a surgical instrument. The single-use surgical instrument includes a housing, an electrical connector and a treatment component. Indicia may be printed on the housing, the electrical connector and/or the treatment component. A removable ink is applied to any portion of the surgical instrument in the form of indicia that is readable by a scanning device. The removable ink includes a protein-based composition that is reactivateable with a sterilization solution having an enzyme-based composition such that upon sterilization, the removable ink reacts with the sterilizing solution and becomes unreadable by the scanning device.
US08540702B2
Facilitating a dermatologic treatment by providing a light source emitting optical radiation and having a plurality of wavelengths, reflecting some of the emitted optical radiation back to the light source to enhance the brightness of the optical radiation, and applying at least some of the enhanced optical radiation to a skin surface to facilitate a dermatologic treatment.
US08540691B2
A drug solution transferring device that can suppress dispersion of a toxic drug solution to a surrounding environment is provided. The drug solution transferring device includes a barrel provided with an opening, and a connection tool for connection to the barrel. The barrel includes an elastic member for closing the opening. The elastic member is formed of a plurality of membranes overlaid together. The membrane has a projection projecting into the barrel. The connection tool includes a first needle having a sharp tip end. The first needle has a liquid hole extending in an extending direction of the first needle. When the needle penetrates through the projection of the membrane, an inside and an outside of the barrel are in communication with each other through the liquid hole to allow transference of the drug solution between the barrel and the connection tool.
US08540688B2
A portable device (2) to generate a vacuum for the medical treatment of wounds on the bodies of humans or animals has a vacuum-producing suction pump (90) in a first housing part (4) of the device and a vessel (10) for receiving body liquids. Vacuum is applied for vacuum communication between the suction pump (90), the vessel (10) and a suction tube (82) leading to the body. A pressure sensor (94) measures the pressure in a tube section (88) and a programmable electronic control unit (100) controls the suction pump (90) in dependence on pressure values measured by the pressure sensor (94). The electronic control unit (100) deactivates the suction pump (90) if a rate of change in pressure (Δp/Δt) detected by the pressure sensor (94) exceeds a defined threshold value toward decreasing vacuum.
US08540685B2
A pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly is designed to be used in combination with, but not limited to, a high flow rate catheter to prevent accidental ingestion of air or loss of blood if the closure cap comes off during non-use of the catheter. In addition, the potential for occlusion of the catheter due to blood clots in the catheter and catheter related infection is substantially reduced. The pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly includes a first end, a second end, a wall defining a dumbbell shaped channel, and a flexible, thin disk having a slit and positioned within the pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly to reside within the dumbbell shaped channel. The slit and the dumbbell shaped channel are sized to enable the slit to deform in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the slit to allow fluid to pass therethrough.
US08540680B2
An anchoring system includes a securement device having an anchor pad with a flexible retainer opening that receives a portion of a medical article, such as a catheter, to hold it securely in place. A locating mechanism in the form of posts positions and holds the catheter in position and limits rotational movement of the catheter. The anchor pad is secured to a patient's skin by adhesive.
US08540679B2
An intra-luminal medical device includes a fixation mechanism to attach the medical device to tissue within a body lumen, and a detachment mechanism to permit selective detachment of the medical device from the tissue attachment site without the need for endoscopic or surgical intervention. An electromagnetic device may be provided to mechanically actuate the detachment mechanism. Alternatively, a fuse link may be electrically blown to detach the medical device. As a further alternative, a rapidly degradable bonding agent may be exposed to a degradation agent to detach the medical device from a bonding surface within the body lumen. The medical device may eliminate problems associated with uncertain and inconsistent detachment of intra-luminal medical devices.
US08540672B2
A method and apparatus for application of a microneedle patch to a skin surface of a patient includes use of an applicator. The applicator includes a housing, a slidably disposed applicator plate, and a compression spring. The applicator plate is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and has an engaging surface suitable for mashing up against a microneedle patch and pressing it against a skin surface. A docking system transfers the microneedle patch from a support to the applicator without requiring a user to handle the microneedle patch directly. Once mounted in the applicator, the microneedle patch is deployed against a skin surface of a patient for delivery of a desired agent via a microneedle array contained on the patch.
US08540662B2
A kit for the diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body cavity includes an introducer and a catheter insertable through the lumen of the introducer having a proximal segment, a working segment and a flexible distal tip segment. The flexible distal tip segment is located adjacent the distal end of the working segment and includes a proximal end, a distal end and a pre-formed bend or curve that permits the catheter to exit the introducer in a lateral direction relative to the introducer body to prevent inadvertent damage to the tissue during a medical procedure. All or part of the working segment and the flexible distal tip segment may be adhesive-filled. The catheter may also include a plurality of sensing and/or energy delivery elements on the working segment and a shape-memory wire terminating at the distal end of the working segment. Methods of use and methods of manufacturing are also described.
US08540661B2
A split-tip catheter for placement within the vasculature of a patient and for use in hemodialysis or other suitable procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the split-tip catheter includes a catheter body that defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The catheter body further comprises a split distal region, including a venous segment and an arterial segment. The venous segment includes a recess extending proximally of a nose portion; and a lateral opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The arterial segment also includes a lateral opening, is separate from the venous segment, and is removably seatable in the recess provided by the venous segment. In one embodiment, the distal region is un-split, but includes symmetrically opposed lateral openings, as well as distal openings, in communication with the first and second lumens for providing a functional stagger for blood flow in both forward and reverse catheter flow directions.
US08540654B2
A pneumatic or hydraulic massage sock including a unitary molded insole formed with one or more internal pump chambers for generating fluid pressure throughout the user's gait, and a plurality of interconnected compression pads each containing an array of fluid feed tubes. The compression pads fold up and around the foot and calf substantially enveloping them in a low-profile sock-like configuration. An outer shell is worn overtop to maintain the compression pads against the user's calf. The fluid feed tubes are in fluid communication with the pump insole to provide a self-compressive non-constricting deep-kneading, undulating (wavelike) pattern massage action up the leg in accordance with the full-length heel-to-ball-to-toe foot plant. The massage sock appears as a conventional sock so it can be worn with virtually any conventional pair of shoes. This provides effective unobtrusive relief for individuals with circulatory disabilities, diabetes, arthritis, etc.
US08540649B2
[PROBLEMS] To provide a system and a method for accurately measuring the weight of a portion of a human body.[MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] This system for measuring the weight of each of six body portions of a human body comprises support base provided for six body portions and supporting the body portions, six body portion measuring units each having a weight measuring part measuring the weight of the body portion and a data transmission-reception part transmitting and receiving data including data on the weight of the body portion measured by the weight measuring part, and a data processing unit transmitting control data to the six body portion measuring units and receiving the data on the measured weights of the body portions. The data processing unit comprises a means determining whether or not the total sum of the data on the measured weights of the six body portions matches the weight of the human body within a present allowable range.
US08540641B2
A weight management system comprised of a body worn device which interfaces periodically with a computer. The established weight goals of the user are translated by the computer into daily activity targets and downloaded into the device. The device monitors the user's activity, offering progress status toward the daily activity target. Further, the device alerts the user of excessive sedentary periods which depress metabolic indicators. The activity targets, allowed length of sedentary periods and suggested activities to reach goal are specific to the individual based on their biometrics and living environment. The computer provides historical tracking of activity for motivational and coaching purposes.
US08540638B2
The invention is a differential 3D Quantitative-Imaging Ultrasonic Tomography method for inspecting a layered system that is comprised of a heterogeneous object embedded in a volume of space that comprises layers having an acoustic impedance gradient between the layers providing non-linear beams travels. A transducer grid is attached to the surface of the layered system in a unilateral manner. By sequentially changing the distance between transmitter and receiver the fastest travel times of the ultrasonic oscillations are measured. A differential approach provides from the data the longitudinal wave velocities values for each elementary volume that make up an inspected volume. These values are used to construct two and three-dimensional maps of the longitudinal wave velocity values distribution in the inspected volume and the porosity values distribution in the heterogeneous object. By applying statistical treatment to the obtained data the longitudinal wave velocity in the inspected material matrix part is estimated.
US08540634B2
A device (D1) is intended for producing images of heating tines (HT) coupled to a needle (N) positioned near a chosen tissue part of tissues located in an area of a body. This device (D1) comprises i) a means (ME) for estimating tissue thermal strains, induced by means of the heating tines (HT) into the tissue surrounding the chosen tissue part, from received ultrasound image data, and for deducing relative positions of these heating tines (HT) to the chosen tissue part from the estimated tissue thermal strains, and ii) a means (MC) for combining the received ultrasound image data with position data representative of the deduced relative positions to produce images of the area with thermal strain information showing the relative positions of the heating tines (HT) to the chosen tissue part.
US08540628B2
A surgical access assembly includes a body having first and second side panels opposing one another and first and second end panels interconnecting the side panels. The first and second end panels are moveable between a folded position and an expanded position to correspondingly move the first and second side panels with respect to one another between an approximated position and a spaced apart position. In the spaced apart position, the first and second side panels are flexed outwardly and apart from one another to define a passageway therebetween. A flexible membrane is coupled to the first and second side panels and extends proximally therefrom.
US08540615B2
A cannulation system for cardiac support uses an inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula. The outer cannula includes a fluid inlet for placement within the right atrium of a heart. The inner cannula includes a fluid inlet extending through the fluid inlet of the outer cannula and the atrial septum for placement within at least one of the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. The cannulation system also employs a pumping assembly coupled to the inner and outer cannulas to withdraw blood from the right atrium for delivery to the pulmonary artery to provide right heart support, or to withdraw blood from at least one of the left atrium and left ventricle for delivery into the aorta to provide left heart support, or both.
US08540614B2
An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising a valve design that facilitates loading and unloading of blood bags and associated tubing and bag sets. The valves comprise a rotating head, mounted on a shaft, which assumes a “load” position. The head pivots to an “open” position, which secures the tube in its designated location, but which maintains an open lumen through the tube. When the head is in a “closed” position, blood components cannot flow through the tube. The valve apparatus comprises means for maintaining a constant pressure on the tube and contact with the tube as the tube is melted and sealed.
US08540611B1
The flexible attachable exercise device provides extreme portability and also provides for anchoring to a variety of objects in order to provide stability and resistance. The u-shaped handle provides for close and spread grip. Comfort and easy grip are enhanced by handle rubber grips. The cross link provides best handle stability. The junction box is be separable. The chain loop is attached to the junction box by removable links. Both the chain loop and the coated cables are designed with rubberized coatings to prevent damage to objects they may be attached to. The coated cables employ sliding cinches to aid in object retention.
US08540610B2
An exercise machine includes a frame, a body support assembly in pivotable engagement with the frame, and a counter balance assembly connected to the body support assembly, wherein, in operation, the body support assembly is pivotable from a downward position to a top position. The counter balance assembly partially balances a body weight of a user in a prone position against the body support assembly as the body support assembly is pivoted from the downward position to the top position. The counter balance assembly may include a reaction arm extending from a rear portion of the body support assembly and pivotable about the frame, and may include a weight bearing end opposite the body support assembly. A method of using an exercise machine includes positioning a user body prone against a body support assembly, wherein the body support assembly is pivotally engaged with an exercise machine frame and counterbalancing the user's bodyweight.
US08540596B2
An incrementally variable transmission machine with an input drive and an output drive which are linked by a drive chain, and which includes an oscillating cam arrangement which, at each of two limiting positions, can act on an actuating mechanism to vary the speed of the output drive by an increment.
US08540594B2
The illuminated nock assembly of the present invention attaches to the shaft of an arrow to assist in tracking the trajectory of the arrow in flight and in locating the arrow after flight. The illuminated nock assembly includes a housing having two separate parts, lighting components and a power source. The lighting components are illuminated when arrow shaft is placed on the housing.
US08540593B1
The baseball training device provides a framed net for capturing thrown balls, especially baseballs. The frame is sturdily supported by stanchions that include upwardly extended sections for additional support. The fasteners are fastened to the frame sides. The device includes a substantially centrally disposed target box. The target box is supported by spaced apart uprights. The uprights feature orifices and the target box, ears, whereby keepers may be passed from the ears into a given set of upright orifices to thereby adjust the vertical positioning of the target box. The device provides padded horizontal members that are fitted as desired, one atop another, in order to effectively shorten the box height and thereby establish a smaller target for a thrower.
US08540591B2
A method is provided for gauging the squeeze pressure of a golf club which generally includes the steps of providing a golf club having an elongated shaft, placing an expanded synthetic rubber, internally ribbed cushioning device with adjustable pressure sensors over the distal end of the shaft, the expanded synthetic rubber, internally ringed cushioning device comprising a sheath to surround the proximal end of the shaft along a desired length and being constructed of expanded synthetic rubber of a density predetermined by the manufacturer to require the golfer to apply with both hands optimum squeeze pressure for maximum control of golf strokes in order to feel the ringed protrusions enveloped therein. A cushioning and training apparatus is also provided, which includes adjustable pressure sensors enveloped by ringed protrusions that signal an audible device to sound and a light emitting diode (LED) to illuminate when optimum squeeze pressure for maximum control of strokes is applied with both hands by the golfer. A removable control unit at the butt end of the invention may be used to adjust the sensitivity of the pressure sensors and disable the LED and audible device as desired.
US08540589B2
A golf club head and a removable weight that is received in a receptacle of the golf club head. The weight includes a cap and a slug. The cap is removably coupled to the receptacle and includes a recess that receives a portion of the slug so that the cap and slug are able to rotate relative to each other. The slug includes an anti-rotation feature that prevents relative rotation between the slug and the receptacle and a lead-in portion.
US08540585B2
A golf handle supporting device (10) having a proximate end (20) and a distal end (30) for resting on a ground surface as oppose to getting the club handle wet or dirty. A first arm (40) extending in a first direction from a proximate end (20) and a second arm (50) extending from the proximate end (20) in a second direction offset from the first direction; the first arm (40) and second arm (50) each defining a mid-portion comprising a first bend (60) and a second bend (70) which extend downwards in the direction of the ground and terminate at an end of their respective first arms (40) and (50); a first leg (80) and a second leg (90) extending from their respective ends (60) and (70) to the distal ends (30) and generally widen outwards to provide further support.
US08540584B1
An athletic swing trainer permits an athlete to swing a trainer at speeds far in excess of the athlete's conventional swing speeds and to confirm to the athlete that the practice swings made with the trainer at these extremely high speeds have been technically properly executed. Armed with this experience, the athlete is then able to swing the athlete's own conventional club, bat or racquet at speeds which, though lower than the athlete's trainer swing speeds, are significantly higher than the athlete's conventional club swing speeds. After six or seven trainer swings, an athlete's swing speed at point of contact of a conventional golf club, bat or racquet with a corresponding ball is typically increased in a range of 5 to 15%.
US08540578B2
A network game system and a client game device increase the attraction and strengthening of friendships between players. The network game system includes game devices, each of which includes a unit that reads out a player ID from an external storage medium, and a server terminal that is communicably connected to the game devices through a network. Presentation process information is used for performing a game presentation associated with a game presentation ID at the time of performing a game and is stored in a managing section. The game presentation ID is set to be used in the external storage medium based on the player ID and is stored in the managing section in association with the player ID. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, information on the use permission setting of the game presentation ID that is stored in the managing section is updated.
US08540574B1
A mobile terminal simultaneously receives an interactive service, such as a betting service, and a web-based news service operating in conjunction with the interactive service across a wireless connection. Both services are simultaneously displayed in different windows on the same display of the mobile terminal. The user's selections, navigation of pages and other input in the interactive service are monitored and used to select related news items for a scrolling news frame.
US08540572B2
The present invention provides a video game controller and apparatus that may be used by two or more players. The users physically manipulate the control device cooperatively to the kinesthetic feedback of the other player(s) to control the events of the video game. By working together through orientation of the controller, the players can jointly move the video game object on the screen and/or govern the play of the game.
US08540568B2
A process provides a multi-priced lottery game with a first price point and a second price point such that (i) the first price point corresponds to a first known potential fixed prize and a first known potential percentage of a progressive prize and (ii) the second price point corresponds to a second known potential fixed prize and a second known potential percentage of the progressive prize. The second price point is greater than the first price point. The second known potential fixed prize is greater than the first known potential fixed prize. The second known potential percentage of the progressive prize is greater than the first known potential percentage of the progressive prize. Further, the process provides a portion of ticket sales for the multi-priced lottery game to a prize management fund.
US08540566B2
A game space may be provided to a user in which the user attempts to obtain discoverable items that have been associated with individual zones in the game space. The user may attempt to obtain the items through strategically employing one of a plurality of selectable actions that are associated with different costs in the game space. The costs of the actions may be balanced to create a prospecting mechanic within the game. The game space may be provided to the user as a discrete game, or as one or more mini-game(s) within a larger game or virtual space.
US08540565B2
A gaming machine having standard and bonus game play features. During standard game play mode, the interface displays a matrix of symbols representing an arrangement of reels, and the computer calculates payouts based on the symbols, within the matrix. When a predetermined number of scatter symbols appear in the matrix of symbols in standard game play mode, bonus game play commences and at least some of the scatter symbols are transformed into wild symbols during bonus game play. Bonus game play mode includes multiple reel spins. The wild symbols presented during bonus game play mode occupy more than one location in the matrix of symbols and move during each reel spin to a random location in the matrix of symbols. The random location in the matrix of symbols excludes matrix locations previously occupied by a wild symbol during an immediately previous reel spin during bonus game play.
US08540553B2
Apparatus, systems and methods related to sharpening blades for rotary cutters. In one illustrative embodiment, a power sharpener system secures a rotary cutting blade between upper and lower columns that form a rotating axle in contact with upper and lower sharpening stones, each positioned at an appropriate angle to contact a cutting edges of the rotary blade for sharpening. The upper column may be rotatably attached to an upper cover or lid and the lower column rotatably disposed in a base. After the rotary blade is secured, an electric motor is used to rotate the column, contacting the edges of the blade against the stones to simultaneously sharpen both edges of the blade. In some embodiments, a retractable plate may be disposed around the lower column for placement of the rotary blade thereon and a lifting lever may be used to facilitate blade removal.
US08540544B1
A novelty assembly that is used to retain and display toy figures. The assembly utilizes a band having a first surface and a second surface. The band can be formed as a bracelet, necklace, headband, belt, shoe strap, handle strap, or the like. A plurality of nub projections extend from the first surface of the band. A plurality of toy figures are provided. Each of the toy figures has a bottom opening. The bottom opening of each toy figure is pressed onto one of the nub projections that extend from the band. The bottom opening of the toy figures receive and engage the nub projection with a friction fit. This interconnects the toy figures with the band. The result is a novelty band or strap where the toy figures appear to be the ornamentation of the novelty.
US08540538B2
A sports mat includes a foam sheet, an adhesive bonding film, a patterned layer and a skid proof layer. The foam sheet is made of polyethylene foam. The adhesive bonding film applied to a top surface of the foam sheet. The patterned layer has a plastic film and a pattern printed in a bottom surface of the plastic film. The plastic film together with the pattern is joined on top of the adhesive bonding film. The skid proof layer, made of thermal plastic rubber, is coated over a top surface of the plastic film. Additionally, the skid proof layer together with the patterned layer, the adhesive bonding film and the foam sheet defines a plurality of indentations and protrusions over a top surface of the skid proof layer so as to strengthen connection therebetween.
US08540529B2
There is provided a system and method for a shielded connector module with a molded hood and an LED light pipe. There is provided a shielded connector module comprising a system-in-package (SiP) device having a surface mounted light emitting diode (LED), a metallic shield surrounding the SiP device, a molded hood surrounding the metallic shield, and an LED light pipe in a proximity with the surface mounted LED, the LED light pipe being directed through the metallic shield and the molded hood. By designing the LED light pipe with a concave surface for surrounding the surface mounted LED and by using various techniques to reduce a gap between the LED and the light pipe, light capture and transmission may be optimized for easily viewable high intensity light. A fresnel lens may be optionally attached to the light pipe for wider viewing angles.
US08540524B2
An electrical connector for electrically connecting a mating element to a motherboard includes an insulating body having two side surfaces disposed symmetrically, at least one rotating shaft protruding from the side surface, a casing including at least one side portion corresponding to the side surface, and at least one protruding block. The side portion of the casing extends backward to form a rotating portion. The rotating portion is disposed with an elongated hole. A distance between an edge of the elongated hole and an edge of the rotating portion is substantially a fixed value. A distance between the protruding block and the rotating shaft is equal to or slightly larger than the fixed value. The rotating shaft urges against the edge of the elongated hole of the casing, and the protruding block urges against the edge of the rotating portion of the casing.
US08540517B2
A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.
US08540509B1
An indoor-outdoor gas infrared heater having one or more heat level settings. The heater includes a burner having ceramic plaques with a plurality of perforations and raised surfaces tapering into an apex between the perforations and an operating system having a control module electrically connected to a control valve, a power source and an activator for triggering the heater. The control valve has multiple pathways with each pathway supplying gas to the burner at a flow rate for a designated heat level setting. The heater has compartments for protecting the components from the heat coming from the burner.
US08540507B2
A mold-tool system is provided which includes a manifold body including an inlet assembly, a plurality of outlets spaced from the inlet assembly, and an uninterrupted melt channel associated with each outlet and extending between the inlet assembly and its associated outlets. Each melt channel may have a length which is substantially identical to the length of the other melt channels.
US08540503B2
A disk substrate molding apparatus has a disk substrate molding die and a temperature controller. The disk substrate molding die includes a stamper, a first die including a mirror member to which the stamper comes in contact, and a second die including a molding surface which forms a disk-shaped cavity between the molding surface and the stamper. The second die includes a protruding part which protrudes toward the stamper at an outer circumferential part of the molding surface. The temperature controller controls temperature of the second die so that the protruding part exhibits a higher temperature in comparison to a region further toward the inner circumferential side than the protruding part, and controls temperature of the first die so that a region opposite to the protruding part exhibits a lower temperature in comparison to the protruding part in the mirror member.
US08540500B1
A high capacity lightweight compact vane motor or pump system which utilizes vanes with extensions to improve efficiency of the system overall. The present invention generally includes a rotor housing, a rotor, a housing cover. The rotor housing will generally include a central opening in which the rotor is positioned. The rotor will generally include a plurality of radially spaced vane slots. A rotor vane will generally be positioned within each vane slot. Each rotor vane will generally include a first extension and a second extension, wherein the first extension extends into slidable engagement with a groove on the housing cover and the second extension extends into slidable engagement with a groove on the interior surface of the rotor housing. As the rotor is rotated within the housing, the vanes will slide into and out of the slots to create voids to hold oil to be expelled at the outlet.
US08540499B2
An extra-capillary fluid cycling unit for maintaining and cycling fluid volumes in a cell culture chamber includes a housing and a first flexible reservoir extra-capillary fluid reservoir disposed in the housing. The extra-capillary fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with a cell culture chamber. A second flexible reservoir is also located in the housing, the second flexible reservoir being in fluid communication with a pressure source. A sensor plate is movably disposed in the housing between the extra-capillary reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein the second reservoir is pressurized to move the sensor plate in relation to the extra-capillary reservoir to cause fluid cycling and maintain fluid volumes in the cell growth chamber.
US08540490B2
An apparatus includes a first set of blades and a second set of blades disposed downstream relative to the first set of blades. The first set of blades includes a first subset of blades, wherein each blade among the first subset of blades comprises one or more first geometric parameters. The second set of blades includes a second subset of blades, wherein each blade among the second subset of blades comprises one or more second geometric parameters different from the one or more first geometric parameters.
US08540486B2
A bucket assembly cooling apparatus is provided. The bucket assembly includes a platform, an airfoil, and a shank. The airfoil may extend radially outward from the platform. The shank may extend radially inward from the platform. The shank may include a pressure side sidewall, a suction side sidewall, an upstream sidewall, and a downstream sidewall. The sidewalls may at least partially define a cooling circuit. The cooling circuit may be configured to receive a cooling medium and provide the cooling medium to the airfoil. The upstream sidewall may at least partially define an interior cooling passage and at least partially define an exterior ingestion zone. The cooling passage may be configured to provide a portion of the cooling medium from the cooling circuit to the ingestion zone of an adjacent bucket assembly.
US08540485B2
A cycloidal rotor system having airfoil blades travelling along a generally non-circular, elongated and, in most embodiments, dynamically variable orbit. Such non-circular orbit provides a greater period in each revolution and an optimized relative wind along the trajectory for each blade to efficiently maximize lift when orbits are elongated horizontally, or thrust/propulsion when orbits are vertically elongated. Most embodiments, in addition to having the computer system controlled actuators to dynamically vary the blade trajectory and the angle of attack, can also have the computer system controlled actuators for dynamically varying the spatial orientation of the blades; enabling their slanting motion upward/downward and/or backsweep/forwardsweep positioning to produce and precisely control a variety of aerodynamic effects suited for providing optimum performance for various operating regimes, counter wind gusts and enable the craft to move sideways. Thus a rotor is provided, which when used in a VTOL rotorcraft, will require lower engine power to match or exceed the operating performance of VTOL rotorcrafts equipped with prior art cycloidal rotors, this rotor also offers increased efficiency and decreased required power when used for generating the propulsive force for various vehicles or used as a fan.
US08540482B2
A rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a rotor airfoil and a first rotor disk. The rotor airfoil extends along a radial axis. The first rotor disk includes an outer rim, a bore and a web extending between the outer rim and the bore. The first rotor disk is axially offset from the radial axis of the rotor airfoil.
US08540480B2
An aerofoil (20) for a gas turbine engine (10) is hollow to define an interior volume (24) through which cooling air flows. Passages (26) interconnect the interior volume (24) with the exterior of the aerofoil (20). Each passage (26) is provided with an inlet (32) within the interior volume (24) which is elongated along an axis (36) parallel with the direction of cooling air flow through the interior volume (24). The arrangement reduces any tendency for the passages (24) to block though the build up of dirt particles.
US08540471B2
A nut assembly comprises a capture nut having a smooth bore adapted to fit around the threads of a threaded member such as a bolt or a threaded rod. The capture nut includes a tapered bowl which defines a hexagon in cross section, for example. The nut assembly further includes a split nut having a surface which snugly mates with the tapered bowl of the capture nut. The split nut engages the threads of the threaded member, but only after the split nut is brought into close proximity to the capture nut, thereby avoiding the need to thread the nut assembly the entire length of the threads of the threaded member. The split nut may be formed to two separable pieces, or it may be formed of two integral halves joined together by a thin membrane.
US08540468B2
The smart lid for smart bolts and probes is an electronic sensor for use with a smart bolt or probe having a color indicator for indicating tension. The smart lid includes a color sensor that provides electrical data corresponding to light received from the color indicator of the smart bolt or probe, a microcontroller that receives electrical data from the color sensor and converts that data to a digital form and compares the data against at least one limit, and provides a digital indication wirelessly to a remote monitor if the at least one limit has been exceeded. In this fashion a warning or emergency condition can be indicated when the tension experienced by the smart bolt is too low or too high. The smart lid may include an electrical power source that scavenges electrical power from ambient electromagnetic fields (EMF) and stores the electrical power in a battery.
US08540467B2
A cargo carrier tie-down assembly that utilizes a fastener made up of a shackle element that includes a wall in a form that is closed in two dimensions, defining an opening and wherein the wall also defines a pair of opposed apertures, a pin that can be inserted through the two apertures and a knob fastener element, having a head, that is sized to be passed through the opening when the pin is withdrawn from the wall, and that is retained when the pin is inserted into the two apertures. A tension member has one of the fastener elements attached to at least one end. The other fastener element is attached to the cargo carrier.
US08540463B2
A metal-working twist drill is provided with inner cutting edges that form a point (18) having an angle, A, of 130°. An outer, peripheral, part of each cutting edge (55, 57) forms an outer cutting portion (59, 61). The outer cutting portions slope in the opposite direction to the corresponding inner cutting edges and form an angle B, of 3° with respect to a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the twist drill. The width of the outer cutting portion, D as measured at the cutting edge, is 10.5% of the diameter of the twist drill. The metal-working twist drill produces bores having a reduced exit burr height.
US08540441B2
A printing control apparatus may execute printing on a continuous sheet by using a printing unit. The printing control apparatus includes a reversal unit, an input unit, and a printing control unit. In executing printing by the printing unit on both surfaces of the continuous sheet, the reversal unit reverses the continuous sheet to execute printing on a second surface after executing printing on a first surface. If the printing on the first surface currently is being executed by the printing unit to execute two-sided printing of a preceding job based on a preceding job in a case where an instruction for interruption printing is input by the input unit, the printing control unit executes the interruption printing according to the instruction subsequent to the printing on the first surface of the continuous sheet based on the preceding job, and supplies the printed continuous sheet to the reversal unit.
US08540438B1
Systems and methods for positioning a camera crane include maintaining the position of a camera head in accordance with the inclination and rate of change of inclination of the arm of the crane. The inclination and rate of change are detected by an inclination detector and an angular detector respectively. The camera head may be positioned in accordance with the inclination as detected by the inclination detector. The rate of changing the position of the camera head may be in accordance with the rate of change detected by the angular detector.
US08540433B2
A bearing (4) includes an outer ring (6), rolling elements (5) and a two-part inner ring (A). The two-part inner ring (A) includes a first part (1) having a radially outer surface (11) and an inner bore (12). Furthermore, the two-part inner ring (A) includes a second part (2) having a radially inner surface (21) and at least one raceway (22) for rolling elements. The radially outer surface (11) of the first part (1) essentially matches the radially inner surface (21) of the second part (2). A cavity (3), which in use acts as a pressure chamber, is located between the first and second parts (1, 2). When pressurizing the cavity (3), a relative axial movement between the first and second parts (1, 2) is accomplished.
US08540424B2
A cover for a shaft of an electronic thermometer probe. The cover includes a tubular body having an open end and a closed end opposite the open end. The body defines a cavity sized and shaped to slidably receive the shaft of the electronic thermometer probe. At least a portion of the tubular body is formed from a nanotube composite material including a polymer matrix material and a carbon nanotube filler material.
US08540418B2
The invention concerns a escapement lever (1) for the escapement mechanism of a timepiece movement, including at least one fork delimiting a notch (2) which includes horns (3; 4) arranged for cooperating with a balance.Said fork notch (2) includes, in at least one said horn (3; 4), a slot (5, 6) and/or a chamber (30), wherein said slot (5; 6) and/or chamber (30) is arranged to confer elasticity on the corresponding horn, which softens the shock at each impulse, by absorbing part of the impact energy, and then returning it subsequent to said impact.
US08540417B2
In a chronograph timepiece of a construction in which chronograph hands are electrically drive-controlled and mechanically zero-restoring-controlled, even when backlash is generated due to zero-restoring, the chronograph hands are normally moved at the time of the next time measurement start. A chronograph timepiece includes a drive control unit starting a time measurement operation in response to a start operation of a start/stop button, electrically hand-movement-driving chronograph hands by driving a chronograph hand movement motor according to the time measured, and resetting the time measurement operation in response to a reset operation of a reset button, and a mechanical structure mechanically zero-restoring and setting the chronograph hands in response to the reset operation, wherein the drive control unit drives the chronograph hand movement motor by a predetermined amount even after the reset operation has been performed.
US08540414B2
A detachable LED bulb which is easy to be maintained is disclosed. The LED bulb includes a circuit board, LED elements, heat dissipating cup, a base and a power driver. The circuit board has two power lines with a second connector. The LED elements are mounted on the circuit. The heat dissipating cup has a hollow portion, a seat for supporting the circuit and a second coupler. The base has a first coupler for coupling with the second coupler. The power driver is received in the hollow portion of the dissipating cup, is electrically connected between the base and the circuit board, and has a first connector for detachably connecting the second connector of the power lines.
US08540411B2
Disclosed are a backlight unit and a display device. The backlight unit includes a bottom cover, a light emitting module including a plurality of light sources in the bottom cover, a light guide plate at one side of the light emitting module in the bottom cover, an optical sheet on the light guide plate, a support member coupled with the bottom cover, in which a part of the support member is placed on the optical sheet to make contact with a top surface of the optical sheet so that a bottom surface of the optical sheet contacts to the light guide plate, a top cover provided on the support member and coupled with the bottom cover. The light sources are interposed between the support member and the bottom cover.
US08540407B2
A head lamp for a vehicle is provided, which includes a reflector for reflecting light emitted from a light source, a reflection plate for collecting the light reflected from the reflector in an upward direction, a micro-reflection module provided over the reflector to tilt and reflect the light collected by the reflection plate at a desired angle, and an optical lens for irradiating the light reflected from the micro-reflector onto a road surface. The head lamp can implement various beam patterns in accordance with road and surrounding circumferences, and irradiate vehicle information onto a road surface, thereby reducing the dazzle of other drivers of opposite vehicles and improving the field of vision of the driver to improve the safety and convenience.
US08540405B1
Light fixtures providing improved installation features and methods for installing such light fixtures are described herein. The light fixture may include a light fixture housing that forms a cavity and has a first end, a second end, and a connection means located at either the first end or second end of the housing. The connection means connects the light fixture housing to another light fixture housing. The light fixture further includes a light tray located in the cavity of the light fixture housing below the connection means. The light tray is hand-bendable to provide access to the interior components of the light fixture.
US08540401B2
An LED based light comprises a base, a light structure, a heat dissipating structure, and at least one LED. The light structure is adjacent to the base and extends along a longitudinal axis of the light. The light structure includes an inner surface and an outer surface and defines a cavity, and the heat dissipating structure extends into the cavity. At least one LED is mounted in thermally conductive relation to the heat dissipating structure. In one version, the light structure is an annular flange, and an organic LED is mounted to the outer surface. In another version, the light structure is a light pipe configured to distribute a light produced by the at least one LED in a predetermined light distribution.
US08540384B2
Methods are provided for adapting existing manufacturing processes for non-illuminated data-entry devices and mouses to the manufacture of illuminated data-entry devices. Luminescent sheets of one or more colors underlying optically transmissive device components provide illumination of the components visual to a user of the device. The optically transmissive components may be doped with phosphors or tinted to provide components that emit light of different colors. The intensity of illumination of the luminescent sheet may be controlled by the user and may vary in response to the background light of the environment.
US08540382B1
Spherical mechanical linkages may include a yoke defining a first axis and a second axis, a crank rotatably coupled to the yoke about the first axis; a deflecting member that defines a plane and that is coupled to the crank along a third axis, and a rocking frame slideably coupled to the yoke in the plane defined by the deflecting member and rotatably coupled to the yoke about the second axis. One or more components of the spherical mechanical linkage may be symmetric about an axis. A payload, such as a mirror or a camera, can be mounted on the linkage as part of a multi-axis tracker.
US08540378B2
A projector includes: a lens position control unit which controls a projection position of an image by shifting a projection lens; a signal receiving unit which receives a position control start signal to start position control and a lens shift signal from a remote controller; a direction conversion memory unit which stores direction conversion information corresponding to the lens shift signal as information for performing a predetermined conversion of the shift direction of the projection lens; a shift direction converting unit which converts the shift direction of the projection lens based on the direction conversion information; a menu display unit which displays a direction conversion menu screen through which the direction conversion information is inputted; and a control unit which allows the menu display unit to display the direction conversion menu screen when a predetermined condition is satisfied at the time of reception of the position control start signal.
US08540376B2
A projector includes: a light emitter; a light modulator modulating light from the light emitter; and a projector projecting the image from the light modulator. The light emitter includes a light emitting element and an optical member. The light emitting element is a super luminescent diode having an active layer constituting first and second gain regions sandwiched between first and second cladding layers. The first gain region is tilted in a clockwise direction relative a perpendicular of a first surface of the stacked structure. The second gain region is tilted in a counterclockwise direction relative to a perpendicular of the first surface. As such, the optical member refracts the light respectively emitted from the end surfaces of the first and second gain regions on the second surface side to thereby emit light beams in the same direction.
US08540374B2
A projector includes: an optical modulation device configured to modulate an incident luminous flux; a projection optical device configured to project the luminous flux modulated by the optical modulation device; and a cooling device configured to cool the optical modulation device, wherein the cooling device includes a cooling fan, and a duct having a discharge portion that causes the air discharged from the cooling fan to circulate in a direction approximately parallel to the optical axis, and discharges it to a lateral side of the optical modulation device, and the duct is disposed in a state that, when the projection optical device and discharge portion are cut by a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the height position of a first center between the upper end and lower end of the cross-section of the discharge portion and that of the optical axis differ from one another.
US08540373B2
A retinal scanning display includes: a light source part which radiates a laser beam; a scanning part which scans the radiated laser beam in two dimensional directions; a projection part which projects the scanned laser beam on a retina of a viewer; a light detection part which is arranged at a position on which the scanned laser beam is incident; and a light blocking part which blocks the scanned laser beam scanned at the timing detection time; and a control part which controls the radiation of the laser beam based on the detected timing of the laser beam by the light detection part. The control part allows the light source part to radiate the laser beam at the timing detection time with intensity which exceeds a maximum value of intensity of the laser beam radiated from the light source part at the image forming time.
US08540366B2
The invention relates to the making of a progressive spectacle lens for customizing the lens based on the blur perception by a future lens wearer. Accordingly, a blur threshold value is determined for the wearer according to a blur perception criterion that varies based on an optical-power addition value prescribed for the wearer. The blur threshold value is associated with a reference sight direction for the lens provided to the wearer.
US08540363B2
Detachable wearable electronic eyeglasses and head mounted gear with a plurality of electronic functions and interchangeable electronic functions, and a wearable computer with optimal weight distribution and stretchable arms.
US08540360B2
An apparatus for performing duplex printing having a sheet feeding unit, a printing unit, a cutter unit, a drying unit, and a reverse unit. In the duplex printing, the printing unit prints a plurality of images on a first surface of a sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit. The sheet is a continuous sheet. The sheet printed on the first surface passes through the drying unit and is led to the reverse unit. The reverse unit feeds the reversed sheet to the printing unit and the printing unit prints a plurality of images on a second surface that is a back of the first surface of the sheet fed from the reverse unit. The cutter unit cuts the sheet printed on the second surface into a plurality of cut sheets each having the image printed thereon. The cut sheets pass through the drying unit and are ejected.
US08540351B1
A liquid jet printing apparatus is provided having a nozzle for emitting a stream of liquid droplets toward a substrate, a charging section for providing an electrical charge to liquid droplets and a pair of electrically conductive deflecting plates for deflecting the liquid droplets to a desired location on the substrate, wherein the inside face of the deflecting plates is provided with dielectric layer to minimize problems associated with liquid droplets collecting and coalescing on the deflecting plates.
US08540346B2
An aperture plate for a print head of a printer can include a first layer having a first emissivity which is covered by a second layer having a second emissivity which is less than the first emissivity. In an embodiment, the second layer can be etched at nozzle locations to form openings in the second layer which have widths/areas greater than widths/areas of nozzles formed in the first layer. In another embodiment, the second layer can have a smaller thickness at the nozzle locations and a larger thickness away from the nozzle locations. Forming the openings in the second layer which are larger than the nozzles, or forming the second layer thinner at the nozzle locations prior to forming the nozzles, can provide a well-formed nozzle and an aperture plate having a low emissivity.
US08540344B2
A stationary pagewidth inkjet printhead is comprised of a plurality of printhead integrated circuits butted end-on-end across the pagewidth. The printhead includes one or more nozzle rows extending along a longitudinal axis of the printhead, each nozzle row comprising a plurality of nozzles. One or more of the nozzles are configured to fire a droplet of ink at a plurality of predetermined different dot positions along the longitudinal axis.
US08540341B2
A maintenance device includes: a tube pump which suctions internal spaces of a cap via each of suction passages; a selective blocking mechanism which has a slider that establishes engagement with a carriage in a movement midway area of the carriage positioned on the path of movement to a maintenance area and is moved by being linked with the carriage, selectively blocks the suction passages according to movement of the slider, and releases the engagement between the slider and the carriage while maintaining a blocked state of the selected suction passage; and a separation and approach movement unit which establishes and releases the engagement between the slider and the carriage by moving the slider to approach or be separated from the carriage.
US08540339B2
An ink jet printing apparatus is provided which can stir ink efficiently and reduce user stresses by specifying the time for stirring ink in an ink tank. A stir operation that reciprocally moves a carriage for stirring ink in the ink tank is executed in parallel with a suction-based operation of sucking out ink from a cap after a print operation.
US08540330B2
An inkjet printer has been developed, which identifies one or more printing metrics and selects a corrective operation for image data. After application of the corrective operation to image data, firing signals are generated with reference to the modified image data to compensate for an inoperative inkjet in a printhead of the inkjet printer.
US08540323B2
An electronically controlled braking device of a towing vehicle-trailer combination, which includes at least a generating arrangement (FBM) for generating at least one brake request signal, an electronic towing vehicle brake control unit associated with the towing vehicle for generating brake pressure setpoint value signals for at least one electro-pneumatic pressure control module of the towing vehicle as a function of the brake request signal, a data link between the towing vehicle and the trailer, at least one electro-pneumatic pressure control module associated with the trailer for controlling a trailer brake pressure, in which the data link is for direct communication between the towing vehicle brake control unit and the at least one electro-pneumatic pressure control module of the trailer, and in which the towing vehicle brake control unit and the data link are for directly inputting control signals into the at least one pressure control module of the trailer for generating the trailer brake pressure at least as a function of the brake request signal.
US08540321B2
The various embodiments herein provide a system for reducing friction in vehicles operating on agricultural and muddy lands. The system includes a polous placed on a board fastened to the circular base, an arched piece connected one shaft in each of the two hydraulic jacks attached to the board, a plurality of bushings fastened to a wheel ring attached to the polous, a rotating helm attached to one end of a bushing shaft attached to each of the bushings, a guide bar attached to the bushings and bushings shaft and a spring arranged over the guide bar. The movement of the vehicle wheel causes the rotating helm to come in to contact with the arched piece which in turn stroke the bushing shaft resulting in a reciprocal movement inside the bushings thereby providing traction between the vehicle wheel and a land surface.
US08540320B2
A quick change type bit holder for use in a bit assembly for road milling, road planing, trenching and mining equipment wherein a bit shank extends completely through an axially oriented bit holder bore includes a slotted shank having an outwardly tapered bit holder bore wherein insertion of the bit shank in a bit block acts to slightly collapse the shank which collapses the tapered bore to a generally cylindrical configuration that preferably snugly retains the bit shank rotatably therein.
US08540317B2
A fitting (10) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, includes a first fitting part (11), on which a ring gear (17) is formed, a second fitting part (12), on which a gear (16) is formed, which gear meshes with the ring gear (17), whereby the two fitting parts (11, 12) are in a transmission connection with each other, and a rotating eccentric (27, 35) for driving a relative rolling motion of the gear (16) and the ring gear (17). The eccentric is driven by a carrier (21), wherein the eccentric (27, 35) is rotatably supported in a collar (38), which is associated with one of the two fitting parts (11, 12), or in a bushing (28) sitting in said collar (38) in a rotationally fixed manner. A blocking element (50) for the eccentric (27, 35) is operative at least at times between the eccentric (27, 35) and the bushing (28). The bushing (28) has teeth (28a) pointing radially outward and the blocking element (50), which surrounds the bushing (28) annularly, has at least one, in particular two, tooth segments (58) pointing radially inward for interacting with the teeth (28a).
US08540308B2
A stowable vehicle seat with improved operability is configured so that a stowing and restoring operation can be performed by rotating seat support parts and provided on the rear end part of a seat cushion in the front and rear direction around the rotating center. The seat support part is provided with a rotating shaft provided on the seat cushion side, a rotating shaft bracket pivotally supporting the rotating shaft on the vehicle body floor side, and spiral springs one end part side of which is always locked to the rotating shaft side and which urges in the restoration rotating direction. The other end part side of the spiral springs is locked to the vehicle body floor side at different predetermined angles of the seat cushion.
US08540307B2
An attachment mount for the front end of a truck, which can fit trucks with full-width or tapering chassis. The attachment mount may include a front member for supporting a front-end truck attachment, and a distribution member. The distribution member may be attached to the vehicle chassis and to the front member, so that the attachment mount spreads stresses originating from downwardly-directed forces exerted on the front member by the attachment, to the front portion of the vehicle chassis.
US08540306B2
Wide brackets of door impact beams are formed in a Z shape such that beam contact parts are extended horizontally in one direction above oblique force support parts and wide overlap parts are extended horizontally in the opposite direction below the oblique force support parts. Therefore, while an overlap section of a door with respect to a B pillar is further widened, a body frame and a B pillar of a 2-door coupe vehicle exhibit the same safety performance as a body frame and a B pillar of a 4-door sedan vehicle.
US08540293B2
The invention relates to a handle configuration for a door, in particular for a motorized vehicle door, with an outside handle (1) mounted such that it can pivot, which is arranged on the outside on the type of exterior door fuselage (3) that has a concave external handle recess (2), where the outside handle (1) has a first (10) and a second bearing arm (20) arranged on the inside with the first bearing arm (10) mounted around a rotational axis (11), the outside handle (1) has face surfaces (5) in each of the areas of the first (10) and the second bearing arm (20) which face the exterior door fuselage (3) and with a gap (4) that exists between the face surface (5) and the exterior door fuselage (3). According to the invention, it is provided that the outside handle (1) is rotatably mounted in a guideway (12, 31), which is fundamentally matched to the contour of the concavity of the handle recess (2), by means of which a tolerance compensation can be achieved by moving the outside handle (1) along the guideway (12, 31), without a resulting contact of the outside handle (1) with the exterior door fuselage (3).
US08540292B2
A magnetic door stop/latch contains a first magnet mounted on or within a door and a second magnet mounted on or within a structure opposing the door, such as a wall, door jamb, door frame or baseboard. When the door is moving towards the opposing structure, the magnetic door stop may used to prevent the door from slamming into the opposing structure by virtue of the repulsive forces of the magnets. The magnetic door stop may be switched from repulsive configuration to an attractive configuration that holds the door in position.
US08540285B1
A chemically etched two dimensional matrix symbol is provided on a substrate. The substrate may be metal or plastic. A process is described for forming a plurality of two dimensional matrix symbols at the same time in batches. The two dimensional data matrix symbol includes a substrate, a plurality of grooves and a plurality of raised areas, and a plurality of ink spots disposed in the grooves according to a predefined code. The matrix is readable by a scanning device.
US08540280B2
A steering apparatus has a column 46, a column 42 fitted to the column 46 and able to make collapsing movement or move, a bracket 21 attached to a vehicle body in such a way that it can be detached with the column 42 by an impact force of a secondary collision, a guide bracket 61 fixed to the column 46 and having a guide groove 63, and a pin 71 fixed to the bracket 21 and movable with the bracket 21 while being guided by the guide groove 63. The guide bracket 61 has a flat plate portion 61d that is not contact with the bracket 21. A guide groove 63 is provided in the flat plate portion 61d. The pin 71 has a head portion 713 at the top having a diameter larger than its shaft portion. The apparatus has a gap setting portion that is in abutment with the upper surface of the bracket 21 when the pin 71 is fixed to the bracket 21 to set the distance between the lower surface of the head portion 713 and the upper surface of the bracket 21 to a predetermined value. Thus, there is provided a steering apparatus in which the detaching force upon detachment of the column 42 in the forward direction with respect to the vehicle body by the impact force of a secondary collision can be adjusted accurately with an easy detaching force adjusting operation.
US08540279B2
Provided is a curtain airbag cushion folded such that an airbag cushion can be developed inside the vehicle.
US08540272B1
A vehicle chassis includes a vehicle chassis frame. The frame has a first frame portion and a second frame portion operatively connected to the first frame portion. The second frame portion is selectively movable with respect to the first frame portion such that the length of the chassis is selectively variable. The chassis may thus be lengthened to support the addition of an extension unit when additional passenger space or cargo space is desired.
US08540267B1
A bicycle damping system is arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at the bicycle wheel and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle. A portion of a bicycle frame and/or bicycle fork can define a cavity and a damping member is positioned within the cavity. The damping member can be forced into contact with a surface of the cavity. Fork legs, seat stays, chain stays, the seat post are all examples portions of the bicycle frame that may include a damping system.
US08540257B1
A steering stabilizer includes a device connecting a fixed part of a vehicle to a steering mechanism of the vehicle, a control mechanism, and a centering mechanism. The control mechanism, which normally maintains an equilibrium configuration, includes a first member connected to a cylinder portion of a gas spring and a second member secured to a rod portion of the gas spring. A centering mechanism maintains alignment of the gas spring with the device. When the stabilizer is extended from the equilibrium configuration, the gas spring is activated to responsively and automatically return the stabilizer to the equilibrium configuration; and when the device is compressed from the equilibrium configuration, the gas spring is activated to responsively and automatically return the stabilizer to the equilibrium configuration.
US08540250B2
The present disclosure provides a squeeze packing having a cut surface that describes a three-dimensional curved surface shape, in which the cut surface can be temporarily held with ease and intimately attached in an accurate manner without the use of an adhesive during fitting onto a device. The squeeze packing has, on at least one arbitrary portion of an endless ring finished to predetermined dimensions, a cut surface describing a three-dimensional curved surface shape extending diagonally so as to form a predetermined angle θ with respect to a radial direction of the ring, having a substantially S-shaped profile in side view, and curving in a width direction.
US08540244B2
A main CPU of a game machine outputs launching control data for enabling playing balls to be launched for 30 consecutive seconds to a launching drive circuit after the player inserted a predetermined amount of coins into the game machine. A launching strength generation circuit generates launching strength determined in accordance with the value of the launching volume. The generated strength is kept at equal to or more than a strength with which the playing balls reach a playfield on the game machine. When the launching control data is inputted, the launching drive circuit launches the playing balls toward the playfield with the launching strength generated by the launching strength generation circuit by a hammer. Thereby, the sales figures of game machine can be boosted since the playing time is limited to 30 consecutive seconds in principle, and waste time in the launching operation is saved.
US08540242B2
An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes an image forming unit which forms an image on a recording medium, and a carrying unit which guides the recording medium to the image forming unit via a first carrying path or a second carrying path. A media sensor is arranged at a part where the first carrying path and the second carrying path merge together, to discriminate the type of the recording medium. The media sensor is movable toward the first carrying path or toward the second carrying path where the recording medium passes.
US08540232B2
A stopper, a paper feeding device including an inner and outer cases, a first and second axels, a first and second rollers, a pair of stoppers and a tray, and a multi-function printer are provided. The outer case has two side walls and two protrusions disposed on the side walls. The inner case is between the two side walls. The first axel pivots the inner case and the side walls. The first roller covers the first axel. The stoppers are disposed at outer side of the side walls, wherein each of the stoppers has a C-ring, a connecting portion and a stopping portion. Each C-ring pivoted to the first axel has a first and second ends, and the protrusions prop against to the first ends. The second axel pivots the inner case, and the second roller covers the second axel. The tray is disposed below the first roller.
US08540228B2
A sheet processing device includes a stacking unit that is used to stack a bundle of sheets that are placed upon each other with first edge portions of the sheets being aligned with each other; a first binding unit that binds the first edge portions of the bundle of sheets stacked upon the stacking unit; a second binding unit that is provided integrally with the first binding unit in a direction along the first edge portions of the bundle of sheets stacked upon the stacking unit, and that binds the first edge portions by a binding method differing from a binding method of the first binding unit; and an angle changing mechanism that is capable of changing an angle of the first binding unit with respect to the bundle of sheets when binding the first edge portions with the first binding unit.
US08540226B2
A method for operating a sheet handling system including the steps of: determining a location of a next collation mark on select sheets of the stack of material, selecting an operating mode based upon the proximity of the next collation mark relative to a leading or trailing edge of each of the select sheets, processing the singulated sheets in a first operating mode when the next collation mark is proximal to the leading edge of each of the select sheets, and in a second operating mode, when the next collation mark is proximal to a trailing edge of each of the select sheets. Each of the select sheets is buffered to change the spatial relationship between each of the select sheet and each completed collation of sheets along the feed path. By selectively processing the sheets based upon the location of the next collation mark, the conveyance feed path is minimized.
US08540222B2
An air spring for a heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension system includes a bellows chamber operatively connected to a piston chamber. An opening is disposed between the bellows chamber and the piston chamber in order to allow fluid to communicate between the bellows chamber and the piston chamber. The cross-sectional area of the opening and the volumes of the bellows chamber and the piston chamber are tuned in order to optimize the damping characteristics of the air spring.
US08540221B2
The opposite side of a connecting intermediate section 32A of a diaphragm 32 to that of a first end section 32B extends from the connecting intermediate section 32A as a second end section 32C side that folds back towards the tube outside in an inside out reversed state. The diameter of the second end portion 32C is set larger than the diameter of the connecting intermediate section 32A. The second end portion 32C is fitted over an end on a chamber member 22 side of an outer tube member 60 and fixed with press contact against the outer tube member 60 by a band 72.
US08540216B2
An electrically or pneumatically powered carpet stretcher including a wheeled dolly and designed for use by a standing operator. A variable speed electric or pneumatically powered drive unit having a chuck is removably attached to the wheeled dolly. A number of interchangeable head assemblies may be selectively attached to a power unit using its chuck. A multi-head carpet stretching head assembly allows fast stretching of carpet. Smaller single unit heads allow work in corners or other tight spaces. A tile removing head may also be provided to utilize the carpet stretcher to remove tile from floors or other similar tasks. An adjustable height lip may be provided at the front edge of a carpet stretching head to allow easy tucking of carpets with different piles and/or thicknesses.
US08540212B2
The invention relates to a solenoid valve, in particular for a brake system of a motor vehicle, having an axially displaceably supported armature, on one end of which a valve sealing body is disposed and with the other end of which a pole core is associated, and having a compression spring acting in prestressed fashion between the pole core and the armature. It is provided that the compression spring is held in prestressed fashion in an axial passage of the armature, between a bolt, having the valve sealing body and held in a selectable position in the axial passage in force- and/or form-locking fashion, and a thrust piece, disposed such that it can be pushed out of the axial passage up to a stop and subjects the pole core to the prestressing force. The invention further relates to an armature for a solenoid valve. Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing an armature for a solenoid valve.
US08540208B2
A bistable valve (100) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The bistable valve (100) includes an armature (108) movable to selectively block and unblock at least a first port (104) and a biasing device (112) configured to provide a first biasing force that biases the armature (108) toward a first position blocking the first port (104). The bistable valve (100) further includes a plurality of substantially radially magnetized permanent magnets (114) configured to provide a second biasing force to the armature (108) substantially opposite to the first biasing force and an electromagnetic coil (116) configured to generate a third biasing force when energized with a first current polarity. The third biasing force is substantially opposite to the first biasing force and in combination with the second biasing force overcomes the first biasing force and moves the armature (108).
US08540198B2
A support arm system (10) includes a socket (16) for attachment to a surface (18) and a support arm (14), for removable insertion in the socket (16). The support arm (14) has at least one formation (22). The socket (16) includes a housing (28) having an insertion opening (30) leading to a passage (32) for insertion of the support arm (14). At least one formation (34) in the passage (32) complementary to the at least one formation (22) on the support arm (14) is provided to engage the support arm (14) when the support arm (14) is in the socket (16). A gate element (36) in the passage (32) is biased to a position at or in front of said at least one formation (34) in the passage. To insert the support arm (14), the gate element (36) must be pushed against its bias to expose the formation in the passage for engagement by the support arm (14) to retain the support arm in the socket, the gate element (36) providing a positive force between the support arm (14) and socket (16) while it is so retained. In another form of the invention, a gate element (126) is moveable in the housing and has a periphery complementary to the insertion opening. This gate element (126) is pushed by the support arm against its bias to allow insertion of the support arm into the socket and to allow the respective formations to be brought into engagement to retain the support arm in the socket. When the support arm is not in the socket, the gate element (126) provides a substantially flush surface with the front surface of the housing.
US08540197B1
A skateboard mounting arrangement consists of a top part that includes a magnet and a bottom part that includes a bottom extension. When the bottom part is mounted below the top part on a wall support, the bottom of the skateboard is retained by the bottom extension and the magnet attracts and holds the top part to the wall support.
US08540192B2
A method and a device operate a railroad security system having trackside devices for specific functions. In order to reduce the number of cable connections, control of a first trackside device is provided by a data message generated as required by a second trackside device, in particular a signal box, the data message being transmitted wirelessly.
US08540188B2
A hydraulic pump is installed inside a wing at which a control surface is provided, and supplies pressure oil to an actuator when a loss or degradation occurs in the function of aircraft central hydraulic power sources. An electric motor is installed inside the wing and drives the backup hydraulic pump. A driver is installed inside the wing and drives the electric motor. A cooling device is installed inside the wing and simultaneously cools the backup hydraulic pump, the electric motor, and the driver.
US08540186B2
An aft part of an aircraft, including at least one engine assembly including a turbine engine and a turbine engine mounting pylon. A rigid structure of the mounting pylon includes a longitudinal central box and a connection box carried by the box and projecting from the box. The aircraft structure includes a fuselage lateral extension projecting from it, and the connection box is pressed into contact with the fuselage extension, below it, an attachment mechanism being arranged between these two entities.
US08540184B2
The present invention relates to an aircraft (1) comprising an airframe (2) provided with a fuselage (10) and fixed wings (20), a rotary wing (30), at least two propellers (41, 42), and a power plant suitable for driving said rotary wing (30) and said propellers (41, 42) into rotation. The fixed wings (20) comprise a front wing (21) arranged in the high portion (15) of the front portion (11) of the fuselage (10), and a rear wing (22) arranged in the rear portion (13) of said fuselage (10), said front and rear wings (21 and 22) each extending transversely on either side of the fuselage (10), said front wing (21) having a first front half-wing (21′) and a second front half-wing (21″), at least one of said propellers (41) being mounted on said first front half-wing (21′) and at least one of said propellers (42) being mounted on said second front half-wing (21″), said rotary wing (30) being arranged in the central portion (12) so that an axis of rotation (AX) of the rotor (31) of said rotary wing (30) is located between said front and rear wings (21 and 22).
US08540173B2
A method of forming nanometer sized fine particles of functional ceramic from a bulk functional ceramic, particularly fine particles of phosphorous ceramics from a bulk phosphor material is disclosed. The method relies on irradiation of a bulk phosphorous ceramic in a liquid with an ultrashort-pulsed-laser-fragmentation beam to thereby form nanometer sized particles of the phosphorous ceramic. The method is unique in that the generated particles retain the chemical and crystalline properties of the bulk phosphorous ceramic. The generated solutions are stable colloids from which the particles can be isolated or used as is.
US08540164B2
A smart card reader receives an Answer to Reset (ATR) from a smart card and transmits the ATR over a communication link to a computing device without waiting for an ATR request from the computing device. The computing device may cache the ATR and use it for subsequent communication sessions with the smart card.
US08540161B2
An object of this invention is to provide a semiconductor device (an RFID) with reduced loss of voltage/current corresponding to a threshold value of a transistor, and having a voltage/current rectification property. Another object of this invention is to simplify a fabrication process and a circuit configuration. A rectifier circuit is provided in an element included in a semiconductor device (RFID) capable of communicating data wirelessly. As compared to the case where only a diode is provided, coils are provided between gate terminals and drain terminals of transistors constituting the diode in a rectifier circuit, so that the coils overlap an antenna which receives a radio wave, whereby a voltage output by the rectifier circuit is increased using electromagnetic coupling between the antenna which receives a radio wave and the coils, so that the rectification efficiency is improved.
US08540145B1
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards. The machine is operative to cause financial transfers responding at least in part to a determination that the read card data corresponds to at least one of an authorized user or an authorized financial account. The machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transfers carried out with the machine. The machine includes a housing including a chest. The chest is supported on a depository safe. The safe includes a depository head that extends upward on the safe and in front of the chest.
US08540119B2
The invention relates to a device 1 for dispensing bulk candy. The device 1 comprises a container 3 which at one end 5 of the container 3 has a dispensing opening 14 through which candy/sweets can leave the container 3. The container 3 has an inside that is provided with at least one guide for the candy/the sweets. The guide or guides 17, 18, 19, 27 is/are arranged to guide sweets in a direction towards the dispensing opening when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis. The container 3 is inclined in relation to the horizontal plane by an angle that may be in the range of 10°-25°. The guide or guides is/are arranged in the container 3 in such a way that sweets are guided in a direction towards the dispensing opening 14 when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis but remains at rest when the container is at a standstill. The invention also relates to an insert that comprises a container 3 filled with sweets/candy and which can be loaded as a cartridge into a dispensing device for candy.
US08540115B2
A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells. The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is not.
US08540113B2
Disclosed is a container comprising a lid and a base. The lid has a top surface and a side wall all about the perimeter of the top surface. The side wall has a lip which may be formed from a rolled edge. The base has a bottom surface and a side wall. The side wall further includes a plurality of tapered sections, a plurality of retention bumps, and a plurality of pivot bumps. The lid is adapted to fit over the base such that the rolled edge abuts underneath the retention bumps and pivot bumps securing the lid in place when the container is closed. The rolled edge of the lid pivots about and slides along the pivot bumps when the container is in an open position to create an opening for accessing contents of the container.
US08540111B2
A container or tray having various features. The container or tray comprises at least one sidewall having a top edge, the top edge of the at least one sidewall corresponding to a top surface of the tray and a bottom surface adjacent to the sidewall. A flange extends laterally outward from the top edge and is foldably connected to the sidewall at the top edge. The flange comprises at least a portion of the top surface of the tray. An injection-molded feature at least partially encapsulates the flange. The injection-molded feature comprising resin and has a first region in contact with the sidewall and at least a portion of the flange, and a second region adjacent the first region and extending laterally outward from the first region to a free edge of the injection-molded feature. The first region has a greater cross-sectional area than the second region.
US08540110B2
The invention relates to a high-pressure container comprising a thin-walled, cylindrical metal liner (1) having bases (8) on the end sections and an outer stable jacket (2) that surrounds the liner (1). At least one of the bases (8) of the liner (1) has a slight convex curvature towards the interior of the liner (1). A pressure converter (4) is situated between the outer surface of the convex base (8) and the inner surface of a base part of the stable jacket (2), said converter being constructed from a rigid profiled base on the side facing the base part of the rigid jacket (2) and a deformable cushion (6) of viscoelastic material on the side facing the convex base (8).
US08540095B2
The plastic container includes a hollow body of plastic material having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the lower base and an upper neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall with an opening therein. The sidewall includes at least one panel having a central region and an outer boundary, with the outer boundary being depressed with respect to the central region.
US08540090B2
The present invention is directed to a telescoping wire cable tray system. The wire cable tray system includes an outer wire cable tray and an inner wire cable tray positioned within the outer wire cable tray. The inner wire cable tray slides or telescopes with respect to the outer wire cable tray enabling the length of the wire cable trays to be adjusted during installation of the wire cable tray system. The wire cable tray system may include trapeze support bars, clamps, side walls or downspout fittings.
US08540084B2
An interlocking assembly of two generally rectangular panel pairs hinged to each other with one edge of each of the panels including a plurality of recess cut-outs aligned adjacent matching cut-outs in an adjacent edge of the other panel of the respective panel pair in which dishes can be engaged in a cantilevered manner. A telescoping handle extends across the two generally rectangular panel pairs to select the degree of the hinged articulation between the panels of the two generally rectangular panel pairs. To insure a conforming capture of the dishes the respective cut-outs may be covered with a resilient covering.
US08540079B2
A sludge filtration apparatus has a sludge tank configured to store sludge and at least one filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filtration membrane for filtering the sludge and a pipe insertable in the filtration membrane to supply air to a secondary side of the filtration membrane for dislodging the sludge from the filtration membrane. The pipe has a plurality of holes for discharging gas, namely air, to an area in which the filtration membrane inclines downwardly with the secondary side thereof. The sludge filtration apparatus can prevent thickened sludge from remaining in an upper portion of the filter assembly.
US08540078B2
Extracting or removing at least a portion of liquid phase from a whole sample using a centrifugal force is disclosed. Centrifugal forces are used to apply pressure to a whole sample and drive a liquid phase through a passage region that can be perforated and/or porous and maintain a drier portion within a separation container. The whole sample can be dried, which includes a remaining sample where excess or a selected amount of liquid is removed. Direct access to the separation container or area can then be made to provide for an efficient withdrawal of the drier material from the separation container.
US08540065B2
A mode selector mechanism for a selectable one way clutch assembly includes a lever moveable between a first position, a second position and a third position. A lever biasing device biases the lever in a first direction. A piston acts in opposition against the lever biasing device to move the lever in a second direction opposite the first direction. The piston is actuated by a variable hydraulic signal. The lever is disposed in the second position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure between a first fluid pressure and a second fluid pressure. The lever is disposed in the third position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure greater than the second fluid pressure. The lever is disposed in the first position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure less than the first fluid pressure.
US08540062B2
A dampening assembly for a portable electronic device includes a housing. The housing includes a top portion and a bottom portion. A pivot arm is pivotably coupled to the bottom portion of the housing. A reservoir is defined between the top portion and the bottom portion. The reservoir includes at least one of a fluid and a viscous material. A first portion of the pivot arm is disposed within the reservoir. A second portion of the pivot arm extends through and above the top portion of the housing.
US08540057B2
An elevator system and a method for maintenance of such an elevator system include a device for receiving a plurality of sensor signals. The device is mounted on at least one elevator car or at least one counterweight of the elevator system. The device includes at least one processor and at least one computer-readable data store in at least one device housing. A first sensor for generating a sensor signal is a position sensor and/or a speed sensor and/or an acceleration sensor which is mounted in and/or on the device housing.
US08540056B2
An oil pan leak guard that is attachable to the undersurface of an oil pan. The leak guard has a wire framework, an oil absorbent material supported by the wire framework, and a washer integrated with said wire framework. The washer provides a leak guard opening that receives the oil plug of the oil pan. The washer is clamped against the oil pan when the oil plug is received through the leak guard opening, screwed into the oil plan opening, and tightened.
US08540051B2
A silencer for a two-stroke motor of a power tool, including a silencer inlet to which adjoins a flow channel of channel length so that the flow channel can be connected to an outlet of a combustion chamber of the two-stroke motor, whereby the flow channel at the channel end opposite the silencer inlet opens out into a first chamber of depth, between the silencer inlet and the first chamber the flow channel is so flow-beneficially designed, that due to its mass inertia the exhaust gas flowing into the silencer inlet predominantly flows into the first chamber and after filling the first chamber flows back again thereby creating a counterpressure in the direction of the combustion chamber, so that in spite of small geometric dimensions it provides a periodically actin counterpressure on the outlet of the combustion chamber of the two-stroke motor.
US08540048B2
A system for controlling a transmission including a fluid pump and a fluid motor operably coupled to one another in a fluid circuit is disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to receive signals indicative of operator inputs, and determine a variable pressure limit in the fluid circuit based on the signals indicative of operator inputs. The controller is further configured to control displacement of at least one of the fluid pump and the fluid motor based on the variable pressure limit, such that a pressure level in the fluid circuit is maintained below the variable pressure limit.
US08540044B2
The invention provides a system for managing operations on a peripheral surface of a building. The system includes one or more cables wrapped around the peripheral surface of the building. Further, the system includes one or more wheeled devices capable of moving on the peripheral surface of the building. The one or more wheeled devices are operatively connected to the one or more cables. The one or more wheeled devices and the one or more cables are capable of moving on the peripheral surface of the building as an assembly. In addition, one or more instances of the assembly are operatively connected to each other.
US08540037B2
In one aspect of the present invention, a high impact wear resistant tool has a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material has a thickness of at least 0.100 inch and forms an included angle of 35 to 55 degrees. The superhard material has a plurality of substantially distinct diamond layers. Each layer of the plurality of layers has a different catalyzing material concentration. A diamond layer adjacent the substrate of the superhard material has a higher catalyzing material concentration than a diamond layer at a distal end of the superhard material.
US08540026B2
Methods may include selecting a slot size of apertures to control sand production including formation fines in fluid from a subterranean zone. The slot size may be selected based on a distribution of sizes of particles in fluid from the subterranean zone. A laser may be used to form apertures with the selected slot size in a casing installed in a wellbore in the subterranean zone. Systems and apparatuses may be configured to perform the above operations.
US08540019B2
A system and method comprising at least one ported sleeve assembly and a flapper assembly positioned downwell of the ported sleeve assembly. The system provides for the use of multiple ported sleeve assemblies for each stage of a hydrocarbon producing well that can be opened with a single element, and multiple stages, each have the ability to be opened with a single element size.
US08540016B2
A control and supply unit for an actuating device of a choke, a valve, a blow-out preventer or some other device applied in the field of oil and natural gas production. The control and supply unit includes an auxiliary power supply that is rechargeable and a connecting means to exchange data or supply a voltage. The unit is implemented separately from the actuating device and the connecting means is connected via a cable connection to a separate plug connection module arranged on the actuating device.
US08540007B2
Door elements are disclosed herein. An example door element includes a first flexible door movably coupled relative to a wall between at least a first closed position to cover a first portion of a doorway, a first open position to enable a vehicle to access to the doorway, and an intermediate position to engage a first surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is adjacent the doorway. The door element also includes a second flexible door movably coupled relative to the wall between at least a second closed position to cover a second portion of the doorway, a second open position to enable the vehicle to access the second portion of the doorway, and a second intermediate position to engage a second surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned adjacent the door opening, where the first and second flexible doors each deform to pivot relative to the wall.
US08540001B2
The present invention provides a reliable die bonder that can accurately bond a die and a semiconductor manufacturing method. The present invention is provided with a bonding head that adsorbs a die from a wafer and bonds it to a substrate, a positioning mechanism that is provided with a first adjustment mechanism that positions a position of the die at predetermined accuracy, and positions the bonding head, a positioning controller that controls the positioning mechanism and a second adjustment mechanism that is provided to the bonding head, and adjusts a position of the die at higher accuracy than the first adjustment mechanism.
US08540000B2
A curing processing device including a top moving plate, a bottom moving plate, an intermediate moving plate, a heating unit which heats each of the moving plates, a moving plate driving unit, a carrying unit, and a controller, and wherein each of the top moving plates includes an elastic film and a positive pressure applying unit applying a positive pressure to a space between the moving plate and the elastic film, and the controller is configured to cause the curing processing device to operate in a carrying mode for carrying in or out the solar battery assembly and a compress mode for applying a positive pressure to a space between a lower surface of an upper side moving plate and the elastic film to press the solar batter assembly, and the controller changes a pair of moving plates in a predetermined order each time the mode is switched.
